Connectors for forming electrical and mechanical connections between interchangeable units in an aerosol delivery system

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices. In various implementations, the aerosol delivery devices comprise a control device that includes a battery, a control component, and an outer housing that defines receiving chamber, and a cartridge that includes a mouthpiece portion, a tank that contains a liquid composition, and a heater configured to heat the liquid composition. The cartridge and the control device each include at least one connector configured to provide a magnetic and an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device such that the cartridge can be removably and operatively received into the cartridge receiving chamber of the control body, wherein the at least one connector of the cartridge is located on the mouthpiece portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/386,940, filed on Apr. 17, 2019, which claimspriority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/744,978, titled Aerosol Forming Device, filed on Oct. 12, 2018, eachof which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNOLOGY FIELD

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices such assmoking articles, and more particularly to aerosol delivery devices thatmay utilize electrically generated heat for the production of aerosol(e.g., smoking articles commonly referred to as electronic cigarettes).The smoking articles may be configured to heat an aerosol precursor,which may incorporate materials that may be made or derived from tobaccoor otherwise incorporate tobacco, the precursor being capable of formingan inhalable substance for human consumption.

BACKGROUND

Many smoking devices have been proposed through the years asimprovements upon, or alternatives to, smoking products that requirecombusting tobacco for use. Many of those devices purportedly have beendesigned to provide the sensations associated with cigarette, cigar, orpipe smoking, but without delivering considerable quantities ofincomplete combustion and pyrolysis products that result from theburning of tobacco. To this end, there have been proposed numeroussmoking products, flavor generators, and medicinal inhalers that utilizeelectrical energy to vaporize or heat a volatile material, or attempt toprovide the sensations of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking withoutburning tobacco to a significant degree. See, for example, the variousalternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and heatgenerating sources set forth in the background art described in U.S.Pat. No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2013/0255702 to Griffith Jr. et al., and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2014/0096781 to Sears et al., which are incorporated herein by referencein their entireties. See also, for example, the various types of smokingarticles, aerosol delivery devices, and electrically powered heatgenerating sources referenced by brand name and commercial source inU.S. Pat. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0216232, to Bless et al., which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It would be desirableto provide an aerosol delivery device with advantageous usabilityfeatures.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods offorming such devices, and elements of such devices. The disclosureparticularly can relate to an aerosol delivery device and a cartridgefor removable use with an aerosol delivery device. In this regard,various embodiments of the disclosure provide an aerosol delivery devicewith advantageous usability features, including, a control device and acartridge, wherein electrical and mechanical connections are provided onthe cartridge and control device allowing the cartridge to be removablyand operatively connected to the control device.

In one implementation, the present disclosure provides an aerosoldelivery device that comprises a control device that includes an outerhousing defining an outer wall and having a proximal end and a distalend, the proximal end of the control device defining a cartridgereceiving chamber, the control device further including a battery and acontrol component, and a cartridge that includes a mouthpiece portionand a tank, the mouthpiece portion having a proximal end and a distalend, the proximal end of the mouthpiece portion having an exit portaldefined therethrough, the tank further defining a closed distal end andbeing configured to contain a liquid composition, the cartridge furtherincluding a heater configured to heat the liquid composition. Thecartridge and the control device may each include at least one connectorconfigured to provide a magnetic and an electrical connection betweenthe cartridge and the control device such that the cartridge can beremovably and operatively received into the cartridge receiving chamberof the control body, and the at least one connector of the cartridge maybe located on the mouthpiece portion. In some implementations, thecontrol device may further comprise an inner frame that defines thecartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upperflange, a plurality of magnets spaced around the upper flange of theinner frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins located on theinner frame and below the upper flange thereof, the conductive pinsbeing operatively connected to the battery, wherein the cartridgefurther comprises a flange located between the proximal and distal endsof the mouthpiece portion, a metal plate located below the flange, and apair of conductive plugs, the conductive plugs being operativelyconnected to the heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into thecartridge receiving chamber, the magnetic connection is created betweenthe magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plateof the cartridge, and the electrical connection is created between theconductive pins of the inner frame of the control device and theconductive plugs of the cartridge. In some implementations, the magnetsof the inner frame of the control device may be exposed in a top surfaceof the upper flange such that when the cartridge is received into thecartridge receiving chamber, the magnets of the inner frame of thecontrol device make direct contact with the metal plate of thecartridge.

In some implementations, the control device may further comprise aninner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber, wherein theinner frame includes an upper portion, at least one attachment elementlocated in the upper surface of the inner frame, and a pair ofspring-loaded conductive pins located on the inner frame, the conductivepins being operatively connected to the battery, wherein the cartridgefurther comprises a flange located between the proximal and distal endsof the mouthpiece portion, at least one attachment element located inthe flange of the cartridge, and a pair of conductive plugs, theconductive plugs being operatively connected to the heater, wherein whenthe cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, themagnetic connection is created between the at least one attachmentelement of the control device and the at least one attachment element ofthe cartridge, and the electrical connection is created between theconductive pins of the inner frame of the control device and theconductive plugs of the cartridge. In some implementations, the upperportion of the inner frame of the control device may include an angledsurface, the at least one attachment element of the control device maycomprise a plurality of magnets spaced around the angled surface of theinner frame, the flange of the cartridge may include a correspondingangled surface, and the at least one attachment element of the cartridgemay comprise a plurality of magnets spaced around the angled surface ofthe flange. In some implementations, the upper portion of the innerframe of the control device may include an angled surface, the at leastone attachment element of the control device may comprise a plurality ofmagnets spaced around the angled surface of the inner frame, the flangeof the cartridge may include a corresponding angled surface, and the atleast one attachment element of the cartridge may comprise a pluralityof metal plates spaced around the angled surface of the flange. In someimplementations, the upper portion of the inner frame of the controldevice may include an angled surface, the at least one attachmentelement of the control device may comprise a plurality of magnets spacedaround the angled surface of the inner frame, the flange of thecartridge may include an angled surface, and the at least one attachmentelement may comprise a metal ring that comprises the angled surface ofthe flange. In some implementations, the at least one attachment elementof the control device may comprise a magnetic ring that includes anangled surface that comprises the upper portion of the inner frame, theflange of the cartridge may include an angled surface, and the at leastone attachment element of cartridge may comprise a metal ring thatcomprises the angled surface of the flange.

In some implementations, the control device may further comprise aninner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber, wherein theinner frame includes an upper portion, a pair of separate magnets thatcomprise a portion of the upper portion of the inner frame, wherein thecartridge further comprises a flange located between the proximal anddistal ends of the mouthpiece portion, a pair of metal plates, the metalplates comprising a portion of the flange of the cartridge, and themetal plates being operatively connected to the heater, wherein when thecartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, both themagnetic connection and the electrical connection are created betweenthe pair of separate magnets of the inner frame of the control deviceand the pair of separate metal plates of the cartridge. In someimplementations, the pair of separate magnets of the inner frame of thecontrol device may include an angled surface, and the pair of metalplates of the flange of the cartridge may include a corresponding angledsurface. In some implementations, the control device may furthercomprise an inner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber, aplurality of magnet spheres located in the inner frame, and a pair ofspring-loaded conductive pins located on the inner frame, the conductivepins being operatively connected to the battery, wherein the cartridgefurther comprises a pair of metal plates, each metal plate includingreceiving detents on opposite ends thereof, the metal plates beingoperatively connected to the heater, wherein when the cartridge isreceived into the cartridge receiving chamber, the magnetic connectionis created between the magnet spheres of the inner frame of the controldevice and the receiving detents of the metal plates of the cartridge,and the electrical connection is created between the conductive pins ofthe inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of thecartridge. In some implementations, the control device may furthercomprise an inner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber, apair of angled magnets located in the inner frame, and a pair ofspring-loaded conductive pins located in the inner frame and below thepair of angled magnets, the conductive pins being operatively connectedto the battery, wherein the cartridge further comprises a flange locatedbetween the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion, a pairof pointed sliding metal plates located in the flange, and a pair ofconductive plugs, the conductive plugs being operatively connected tothe heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridgereceiving chamber, the magnetic connection is created between the angledmagnets of the inner frame of the control device and the pointed slidingmetal plates of the cartridge, and the electrical connection is createdbetween the conductive pins of the inner frame of the control device andthe conductive plugs of the cartridge. In some implementations, thecontrol device may further comprise an inner frame that defines thecartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upperflange, a plurality of cylindrical magnets that extend into the upperflange of the inner frame, and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pinslocated on the inner frame and below the upper flange thereof, theconductive pins being operatively connected to the battery, wherein thecartridge further comprises a flange located between the proximal anddistal ends of the mouthpiece portion, a metal plate located below theflange, and a pair of conductive plugs, the conductive plugs beingoperatively connected to the heater, wherein when the cartridge isreceived into the cartridge receiving chamber, the magnetic connectionis created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control deviceand the metal plate of the cartridge, and the electrical connection iscreated between the conductive pins of the inner frame of the controldevice and the conductive plugs of the cartridge. In someimplementations, the plurality of cylindrical magnets may extend throughthe upper flange of the inner frame such that a top surface of themagnets is substantially flush with a top surface of the upper flange.

In some implementations, the control device may further comprise aninner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber, wherein theinner frame includes an upper flange, a plurality of cylindrical magnetsthat extend into the upper flange of the inner frame, and a pair ofspring-loaded conductive pins that extend into the upper flange of theinner frame, the conductive pins being operatively connected to thebattery, wherein the cartridge further comprises a flange locatedbetween the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion, and apair of metal plates comprising a portion of a bottom surface of theflange, the metal plates being operatively connected to the heater,wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receivingchamber, the magnetic connection is created between the magnets of theinner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge,and the electrical connection is created between the conductive pins ofthe inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of thecartridge. In some implementations, the plurality of cylindrical magnetsmay extend through the upper flange of the inner frame such that a topsurface of the magnets is substantially flush with a top surface of theupper flange. In some implementations, the control device may furthercomprise an inner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber,wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange, and a pair ofcylindrical magnets that extend into the upper flange of the innerframe, the magnets being operatively connected to the battery, whereinthe cartridge further comprises a flange located between the proximaland distal ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal platescomprising a portion of a bottom surface of the flange, the metal platesbeing operatively connected to the heater, wherein when the cartridge isreceived into the cartridge receiving chamber, both the magneticconnection and the electrical connection are created between the magnetsof the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of thecartridge. In some implementations, the pair of cylindrical magnets mayextend through the upper flange of the inner frame such that a topsurface of the magnets is substantially flush with a top surface of theupper flange. In some implementations, the control device may furthercomprise an inner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber,wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange, a pair of cylindricalmagnets that extend through the upper flange of the inner frame, and apair of conductive casings, each conductive casing substantiallysurrounding a side surface of a respective magnet and extending throughthe upper flange of the inner frame such that a top edge of the casingsis substantially flush with a top surface of the upper flange, theconductive casings being operatively connected to the battery, whereinthe cartridge further comprises a flange located between the proximaland distal ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal platescomprising a portion of a bottom surface of the flange, the metal platesbeing operatively connected to the heater, wherein when the cartridge isreceived into the cartridge receiving chamber, the magnetic connectionis created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control deviceand the metal plates of the cartridge, and the electrical connection iscreated between the conductive casings of the inner frame of the controldevice and the metal plates of the cartridge.

In some implementations, the control device may further comprise aninner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber, wherein theinner frame includes an upper flange, a pair of cylindrical magnets thatextend into the upper flange of the inner frame, and a pair ofconductive casings, each conductive casing substantially surrounding atop and side surface of a respective magnet and extending through theupper flange of the inner frame such that a top surface of the casingsis substantially flush with a top surface of the upper flange, theconductive casings being operatively connected to the battery, whereinthe cartridge further comprises a flange located between the proximaland distal ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal platescomprising a portion of a bottom surface of the flange, the metal platesbeing operatively connected to the heater, wherein when the cartridge isreceived into the cartridge receiving chamber, the magnetic connectionis created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control deviceand the metal plates of the cartridge, and the electrical connection iscreated between the conductive casings of the inner frame of the controldevice and the metal plates of the cartridge. In some implementations,the control device may further comprise an inner frame that defines thecartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upperflange, a plurality of magnets located in the upper flange of the innerframe, and a pair of metal plates located in the upper flange of theinner frame, a top surface of the metal plates being substantially flushwith a top surface of the upper flange, the metal plates beingoperatively connected to the battery, wherein the cartridge furthercomprises a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of themouthpiece portion, and first and second pairs of metal plates locatedbelow the flange, the first pair of metal plates being operativelyconnected to the heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into thecartridge receiving chamber, the magnetic connection is created betweenthe magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the second pairof metal plates of the cartridge, and the electrical connection iscreated between the pair of metal plates of the inner frame of thecontrol device and the first pair of metal plates of the cartridge. Insome implementations, the control device may further comprise an innerframe that defines the cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the innerframe includes an upper flange, a plurality of magnets located in theupper flange of the inner frame; and a pair of metal plates located inthe upper flange of the inner frame, a top surface of the metal platesbeing substantially flush with a top surface of the upper flange, themetal plates being operatively connected to the battery, wherein thecartridge further comprises a flange located between the proximal anddistal ends of the mouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plateslocated below the flange, the metal plates being operatively connectedto the heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridgereceiving chamber, the magnetic connection is created between themagnets of the inner frame of the control device and the pair of metalplates of the cartridge, and the electrical connection is createdbetween the pair of metal plates of the inner frame of the controldevice and the pair of metal plates of the cartridge.

In some implementations, the control device may further comprise aninner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber, wherein theinner frame includes an upper flange, and a pair of magnets located inthe upper flange of the inner frame and a pair of metal plates locatedin the upper flange of the inner frame, the metal plates beingoperatively connected to the battery, wherein the cartridge furthercomprises a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of themouthpiece portion, and a pair of metal plates, the metal platescomprising a portion of the flange of the cartridge, the metal platesbeing operatively connected to the heater, wherein when the cartridge isreceived into the cartridge receiving chamber, the magnetic connectionis created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control deviceand the pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and the electricalconnection is created between the pair of metal plates of the innerframe of the control device and the pair of metal plates of thecartridge. In some implementations, the control device may furthercomprise an inner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber,wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange, and a pair of magnetslocated in the upper flange of the inner frame and a pair of metalplates located in the upper flange of the inner frame, the metal platesbeing operatively connected to the battery, wherein the cartridgefurther comprises a flange located between the proximal and distal endsof the mouthpiece portion, a metal ring that comprises a portion of theflange, and a pair of conductive spring contacts, the spring contactsbeing operatively connected to the heater, when the cartridge isreceived into the cartridge receiving chamber, the magnetic connectionis created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control deviceand the metal ring of the cartridge, and the electrical connection iscreated between the pair of metal plates of the inner frame of thecontrol device and the pair of conductive spring contacts of thecartridge. In some implementations, the control device may furthercomprise an inner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber,wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange, a plurality ofcylindrical magnets that extend into the upper flange of the innerframe, and a pair of conductive pins that extend into the upper flangeof the inner frame, the conductive pins being operatively connected tothe battery, wherein the cartridge further comprises a flange locatedbetween the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion, and apair of metal plates comprising a portion of a bottom surface of theflange, the metal plates being operatively connected to the heater, andeach metal plate including an integrated spring contact, wherein whenthe cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, themagnetic connection is created between the magnets of the inner frame ofthe control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and theelectrical connection is created between the conductive pins of theinner frame of the control device and the integrated spring contacts ofthe metal plates of the cartridge.

In some implementations, the control device may further comprise aninner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber, wherein theinner frame includes an upper flange, a plurality of magnets spacedaround the upper flange of the inner frame, and a pair of conductivespring contacts located on the inner frame and below the upper flangethereof, the spring contacts being operatively connected to the battery,wherein the cartridge further comprises a flange located between theproximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion, a metal platelocated below the flange, and a pair of conductive plugs, the conductiveplugs being operatively connected to the heater, wherein when thecartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, the magneticconnection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of thecontrol device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and the electricalconnection is created between the conductive spring contacts of theinner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of thecartridge. In some implementations, the control device may furthercomprise an inner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber,wherein the inner frame includes an upper portion, at least oneattachment element located in the upper surface of the inner frame, anda pair of conductive spring contacts located on the inner frame, theconductive spring contacts being operatively connected to the battery,wherein the cartridge further comprises a flange located between theproximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion, at least oneattachment element located in the flange of the cartridge, and a pair ofconductive plugs, the conductive plugs being operatively connected tothe heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridgereceiving chamber, the magnetic connection is created between the atleast one attachment element of the control device and the at least oneattachment element of the cartridge, and the electrical connection iscreated between the conductive spring contacts of the inner frame of thecontrol device and the conductive plugs of the cartridge. In someimplementations, the control device may further comprise an inner framethat defines the cartridge receiving chamber, a plurality of magnetspheres located in the inner frame, and a pair of conductive springcontacts located on the inner frame, the conductive spring contactsbeing operatively connected to the battery, wherein the cartridgefurther comprises a pair of metal plates, each metal plate includingreceiving detents on opposite ends thereof, the metal plates beingoperatively connected to the heater, wherein when the cartridge isreceived into the cartridge receiving chamber, the magnetic connectionis created between the magnet spheres of the inner frame of the controldevice and the receiving detents of the metal plates of the cartridge,and the electrical connection is created between the conductive springcontacts of the inner frame of the control device and the metal platesof the cartridge.

In some implementations, the control device may further comprise aninner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber, a pair ofangled magnets located in the inner frame, and a pair of conductivespring contacts located in the inner frame and below the pair of angledmagnets, the conductive pins being operatively connected to the battery,wherein the cartridge further comprises a flange located between theproximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion, a pair of pointedsliding metal plates located in the flange, and a pair of conductiveplugs, the conductive plugs being operatively connected to the heater,wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receivingchamber, the magnetic connection is created between the angled magnetsof the inner frame of the control device and the pointed sliding metalplates of the cartridge, and the electrical connection is createdbetween the conductive spring contacts of the inner frame of the controldevice and the conductive plugs of the cartridge. In someimplementations, the control device may further comprise an inner framethat defines the cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frameincludes an upper flange, a plurality of cylindrical magnets that extendinto the upper flange of the inner frame, and a pair of conductivespring contacts located on the inner frame and below the upper flangethereof, the conductive pins being operatively connected to the battery,wherein the cartridge further comprises a flange located between theproximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion, a metal platelocated below the flange, and a pair of conductive plugs, the conductiveplugs being operatively connected to the heater, wherein when thecartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, the magneticconnection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of thecontrol device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and the electricalconnection is created between the conductive spring contacts of theinner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of thecartridge. In some implementations, the control device may furthercomprise an inner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber,wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange, a plurality ofcylindrical magnets that extend into the upper flange of the innerframe, and a pair of conductive spring contacts that extend into theupper flange of the inner frame, the conductive pins being operativelyconnected to the battery, wherein the cartridge further comprises aflange located between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpieceportion, and a pair of metal plates comprising a portion of a bottomsurface of the flange, the metal plates being operatively connected tothe heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridgereceiving chamber, the magnetic connection is created between themagnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates ofthe cartridge, and the electrical connection is created between theconductive spring contacts of the inner frame of the control device andthe metal plates of the cartridge.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure willbe apparent from a reading of the following detailed descriptiontogether with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly describedbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the disclosure in the foregoing general terms,reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an aerosol delivery deviceaccording to example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates partial cross-section of the control device of theaerosol delivery device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according toexample implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-section view of the cartridge of FIG. 3Aaccording to an example implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A illustrates a partial perspective view of an inner frame of acontrol device according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial cross-section view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial perspective view of an inner frame of acontrol according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial cross-section view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of an inner frame of a controldevice according to an example implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8B illustrates a partial exploded top view of an inner frame of acontrol device according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8C illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a partial cross-section view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of an inner frame of a controldevice according to an example implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10B illustrates a partial exploded top view of a cartridgeaccording to an example implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10C illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a partial cross-section view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12A illustrates an exploded partial perspective view of an innerframe of a control device according to an example implementation of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 12B illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 illustrates a partial cross-section view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14A illustrates a partial perspective view of an inner frame of acontrol device according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 14B illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14C illustrates a partial transparent perspective view of acartridge according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 15 illustrates a partial cross-section view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16A illustrates a partial perspective view of an inner frame of acontrol device according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 16B illustrates a top view of an inner frame of a control deviceaccording to an example implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16C illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 illustrates a partial cross-section view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18A illustrates a partial perspective view of an inner frame of acontrol device according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 18B illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19A illustrates a partial cross-section view of a cartridge priorto being fully coupled with an inner frame of a control device accordingto an example implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19B illustrates a partial cross-section view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20A illustrates a partial transparent perspective view of an innerframe of a control device according to an example implementation of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 20B illustrates a partial perspective view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20C illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 illustrates a partial cross-section view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22A illustrates a partial perspective view of an inner frame of acontrol device according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 22B illustrates a partial perspective view of cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22C illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 illustrates a partial cross-section view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24A illustrates a partial perspective view of an inner frame of acontrol device according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 24B illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 illustrates a partial cross-section view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26A illustrates a partial perspective view of an inner frame of acontrol device according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 26B illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 illustrates a partial cross-section view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28A illustrates an exploded partial perspective view of an innerframe of a control device according to an example implementation of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 28B illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 illustrates a partial cross-section view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30A illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of an innerframe of a control device according to an example implementation of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 30B illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30C illustrates a bottom view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 illustrates a partial cross-section view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 32A illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of an innerframe of a control device according to an example implementation of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 32B illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 32C illustrates a bottom view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 illustrates a partial cross-section view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 34 illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of an innerframe of a control device according to an example implementation of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 35A illustrates a partial perspective view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 35B illustrates a partial transparent perspective view of acartridge coupled with an inner frame of a control device according toan example implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 36A illustrates a partial perspective view of an inner frame of acontrol device according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 36B illustrates a partial transparent perspective view of acartridge according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 37 illustrates a partial cross-section view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 38A illustrates a partial transparent perspective view of an innerframe of a control device according to an example implementation of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 38B illustrates a partial perspective view of a cartridge accordingto an example implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 39 illustrates a partial cross-section view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 40 illustrates a partial cross-section view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to example embodiments thereof. These example embodiments aredescribed so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, andwill fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in theart. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure willsatisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification, andin the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As described hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure relateto aerosol delivery devices or vaporization devices, said terms beingused herein interchangeably. Aerosol delivery devices according to thepresent disclosure use electrical energy to heat a material (preferablywithout combusting the material to any significant degree and/or withoutsignificant chemical alteration of the material) to form an inhalablesubstance; and components of such devices have the form of articles thatmost preferably are sufficiently compact to be considered hand-helddevices. That is, use of components of preferred aerosol deliverydevices does not result in the production of smoke—i.e., fromby-products of combustion or pyrolysis of tobacco, but rather, use ofthose preferred systems results in the production of vapors resultingfrom volatilization or vaporization of certain components incorporatedtherein. In preferred embodiments, components of aerosol deliverydevices may be characterized as electronic cigarettes, and thoseelectronic cigarettes most preferably incorporate tobacco and/orcomponents derived from tobacco, and hence deliver tobacco derivedcomponents in aerosol form.

Aerosol generating pieces of certain preferred aerosol delivery devicesmay provide many of the sensations (e.g., inhalation and exhalationrituals, types of tastes or flavors, organoleptic effects, physicalfeel, use rituals, visual cues such as those provided by visibleaerosol, and the like) of smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe that isemployed by lighting and burning tobacco (and hence inhaling tobaccosmoke), without any substantial degree of combustion of any componentthereof. For example, the user of an aerosol generating piece of thepresent disclosure can hold and use that piece much like a smokeremploys a traditional type of smoking article, draw on one end of thatpiece for inhalation of aerosol produced by that piece, take or drawpuffs at selected intervals of time, and the like.

Aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure also can becharacterized as being vapor-producing articles or medicament deliveryarticles. Thus, such articles or devices can be adapted so as to provideone or more substances (e.g., flavors and/or pharmaceutical activeingredients) in an inhalable form or state. For example, inhalablesubstances can be substantially in the form of a vapor (i.e., asubstance that is in the gas phase at a temperature lower than itscritical point). Alternatively, inhalable substances can be in the formof an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or liquiddroplets in a gas). For purposes of simplicity, the term “aerosol” asused herein is meant to include vapors, gases, and aerosols of a form ortype suitable for human inhalation, whether or not visible, and whetheror not of a form that might be considered to be smoke-like.

Aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure most preferablycomprise some combination of a power source (i.e., an electrical powersource), at least one control component (e.g., means for actuating,controlling, regulating and ceasing power for heat generation, such asby controlling electrical current flow from the power source to othercomponents of the article —e.g., a microcontroller or microprocessor), aheater or heat generation member (e.g., an electrical resistance heatingelement or other component, which alone or in combination with one ormore further elements may be commonly referred to as an “atomizer”), aliquid composition (e.g., commonly an aerosol precursor compositionliquid capable of yielding an aerosol upon application of sufficientheat, such as ingredients commonly referred to as “smoke juice,”“e-liquid” and “e-juice”), and a mouthpiece or mouth region for allowingdraw upon the aerosol delivery device for aerosol inhalation (e.g., adefined airflow path through the article such that aerosol generated canbe withdrawn therefrom upon draw).

More specific formats, configurations and arrangements of componentswithin the aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure will beevident in light of the further disclosure provided hereinafter.Additionally, the selection and arrangement of various aerosol deliverydevice components can be appreciated upon consideration of thecommercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such asthose representative products referenced in the background art sectionof the present disclosure.

In various implementations, the present disclosure relates to aerosoldelivery devices and cartridges for aerosol delivery devices thatprovide visual indication of one or more characteristics of the device.For example, in some implementations a cartridge of an aerosol deliverydevice may include a liquid composition that includes a flavorant. Thepresent disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices and cartridgesfor aerosol delivery devices wherein the cartridge is configured to beremovably received into the control device, and wherein when thecartridge is received in the control device at least one feature of thecartridge, or at least one feature of the control device, or at leastone feature of both the cartridge and the control device, provides avisual indication of a color associated with the flavorant.

An example implementation of an aerosol delivery device 100 of thepresent disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. As illustrated, the aerosoldelivery device 100 includes a control device 200 and a removablecartridge 300. Although only one cartridge is shown in the depictedimplementation, it should be understood that, in variousimplementations, the aerosol delivery device 100 may comprise aninterchangeable system. For example, in one or more implementations, asingle control device may be usable with a plurality of differentcartridges. Likewise, in one or more implementations, a single cartridgemay be usable with a plurality of different control devices.

In various implementations, the control device 200 includes an outerhousing 202 that defines an outer wall 204, which includes a distal end206 and a proximal end 208. The aerosol delivery device 100 of thedepicted implementation also includes an indication window 240 definedin the outer housing 202. FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cross-section ofthe control device 200 of the aerosol delivery device 100 of FIG. 1. Asshown in the figure, the control device 200 also includes an inner frame215 that includes a cartridge receiving chamber 212 defined by an innerframe wall 214. The control device 200 further includes a battery 216positioned within the outer housing 202 and also includes an externalconnection element 218. In the depicted implementation, the externalconnection element 218 is positioned at the distal end 206 of the outerhousing 202.

The various components of an aerosol delivery device according to thepresent disclosure can be chosen from components described in the artand commercially available. Examples of batteries that can be usedaccording to the disclosure are described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2010/0028766 to Peckerar et al., the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference. In some implementations, other power sources may beutilized. For example, in various implementations a power source maycomprise a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery, solid-statebattery, thin-film solid-state battery, rechargeable supercapacitor orthe like, and thus may be combined with any type of rechargingtechnology, including connection to a wall charger, connection to a carcharger (i.e., cigarette lighter receptacle), and connection to acomputer, such as through a universal serial bus (USB) cable orconnector (e.g., USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, USB Type-C), connection to aphotovoltaic cell (sometimes referred to as a solar cell) or solar panelof solar cells, a wireless charger, such as a charger that usesinductive wireless charging (including for example, wireless chargingaccording to the Qi wireless charging standard from the Wireless PowerConsortium (WPC)), or a wireless radio frequency (RF) based charger. Anexample of an inductive wireless charging system is described in U.S.Pat. App. Pub. No. 2017/0112196 to Sur et al., which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety. In further implementations, a powersource may also comprise a capacitor. Capacitors are capable ofdischarging more quickly than batteries and can be charged betweenpuffs, allowing the battery to discharge into the capacitor at a lowerrate than if it were used to power the heating member directly. Forexample, a supercapacitor—e.g., an electric double-layer capacitor(EDLC)—may be used separate from or in combination with a battery. Whenused alone, the supercapacitor may be recharged before each use of thearticle. Thus, the device may also include a charger component that canbe attached to the smoking article between uses to replenish thesupercapacitor. Examples of power supplies that include supercapacitorsare described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2017/0112191 to Sur et al.,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In various implementations, the control device 200 may also include alight source 230 and at least one aperture 232 (see FIG. 1) defined inthe outer wall 204 of the control device 200 and through which lightfrom the light source 230 may be visible. In some implementations, thelight source 230 may comprise, for example, at least one light emittingdiode (LED) capable of providing one or more colors of light. In someimplementations, the light source may be configured to illuminate inonly one color, while in other implementations, the light source may beconfigured to illuminate in variety of different colors. In still otherimplementations, the light source may be configured to provide whitelight. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the light source 230 may be positioneddirectly on a control component 234 (such as, for example a printedcircuit board (PCB)) on which further control components (e.g., amicrocontroller and/or memory components) may be included. In variousimplementations, the aperture 232 may be provided in any desired shapeand may particularly be positioned near the distal end 206 of thecontrol device 200. In some implementations, the aperture 232 may becompletely open or may be filled, such as with a light guide material,or may be covered with a transparent or translucent member (e.g., glassor plastic) on one or both of the inner surface and the outer surface ofthe outer wall 204 of the control device 200. The aerosol deliverydevice 100 may also include a control mechanism for controlling theamount of electric power to the heat generation element during draw.Representative types of electronic components, structure andconfiguration thereof, features thereof, and general methods ofoperation thereof, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth etal.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,874 to Brooks et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148to McCafferty et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al.;U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 8,205,622 toPan; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2009/0230117 to Fernando et al.,2014/0060554 to Collet et al., and 2014/0270727 to Ampolini et al.; andU.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0257445 to Henry et al.; which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Electrical connectors 220 may be positioned in the cartridge receivingchamber 212 and, in the depicted implementation, are present in sides ofthe inner frame wall 214. In various implementations, the electricalconnectors 220 may be operatively connected to the battery (e.g.connected to the battery directly or via the control component 234). Aswill be discussed in more detail below, the electrical connectors mayhave a variety of forms and may be positioned in various other locationsof the inner frame 215. As also illustrated in FIG. 2, the proximal end208 of the outer housing 202 includes an opening 210 that providesaccess to the cartridge receiving chamber 212 defined by the inner frame215. It should be noted that for the purposes of the present disclosure,the term “operatively connected” should be interpreted broadly so as toencompass components that are directly connected and/or connected viaone or more additional components.

In various implementations, further indicators (e.g., a haptic feedbackcomponent, an audio feedback component, or the like) can be included inaddition to or as an alternative to the light source. Additionalrepresentative types of components that yield visual cues or indicators,such as light emitting diode (LED) components, and the configurationsand uses thereof, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,192 to Sprinkelet al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,499,766 to Newton and U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,959 toScatterday; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0020825 to Galloway et al.; andU.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0216233 to Sears et al.; which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. It should beunderstood that not all of the illustrated elements are required. Forexample, an LED may be absent or may be replaced with a differentindicator, such as a vibrating indicator.

In various implementations, an airflow sensor, pressure sensor, or thelike may be included in the device. For example, as illustrated in FIG.2, the control device 200 may include a sensor 236 on the controlcomponent 234. Configurations of a printed circuit board and a pressuresensor, for example, are described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2015/0245658 to Worm et al., the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety. In various implementations, thesensor 236 may be positioned anywhere within the control device 200 soas to subject to airflow and/or a pressure change that can signal a drawon the device and thus cause the battery 216 to delivery power to theheater in the cartridge 300. Alternatively, in the absence of an airflowsensor, the heater may be activated manually, such as via a push buttonthat may be located on the control body 200 and/or the cartridge 300.Additional representative types of sensing or detection mechanisms,structure and configuration thereof, components thereof, and generalmethods of operation thereof, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,424to Sprinkel, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al.; and PCTWO 2010/003480 to Flick; which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties.

In some implementations, an input element may be included with theaerosol delivery device (and may replace or supplement an airflow orpressure sensor). The input may be included to allow a user to controlfunctions of the device and/or for output of information to a user. Anycomponent or combination of components may be utilized as an input forcontrolling the function of the device 100. For example, one or morepushbuttons may be used as described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2015/0245658 to Worm et al., which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety. Likewise, a touchscreen may be used as described inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/643,626, filed Mar. 10, 2015, toSears et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.As a further example, components adapted for gesture recognition basedon specified movements of the aerosol delivery device may be used as aninput. See U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2016/0158782 to Henry et al., which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some implementations, an input may comprise a computer or computingdevice, such as a smartphone or tablet. In particular, the aerosoldelivery device may be wired to the computer or other device, such asvia use of a USB cord or similar protocol. The aerosol delivery devicemay also communicate with a computer or other device acting as an inputvia wireless communication. See, for example, the systems and methodsfor controlling a device via a read request as described in U.S. Pat.App. Pub. No. 2016/0007561 to Ampolini et al., the disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In suchembodiments, an APP or other computer program may be used in connectionwith a computer or other computing device to input control instructionsto the aerosol delivery device, such control instructions including, forexample, the ability to form an aerosol of specific composition bychoosing the nicotine content and/or content of further flavors to beincluded.

Although other implementations may differ, in the depictedimplementation, the inner frame 215 is separate from the outer housing202. In such a manner, the inner frame 215 defining the cartridgereceiving chamber 212 may exist independently and separately from theouter housing 202. An opening of the chamber may coincide with anopening at the proximal end 208 of the outer housing 202. Thus, in thedepicted implementation, the inner frame wall 214 may be a completelydifferent element that is attached to the outer housing 202; however, inother implementations the inner frame wall and the outer housing may becontinuously formed. In either case, the sidewalls forming the innerframe wall are present interior to and separated from the outer housing.

In various implementations, the outer housing 202 may be formed of anysuitable material, such as a metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, or thelike. In some implementations, the inner frame 215 may be formed of adifferent material than that used to form the outer housing 202. Forexample, in some implementations the outer housing may comprise a metalmaterial, and the inner frame may comprise a plastic material. In otherimplementations, the same materials may be used. Choice of materials asnoted above may also extend to the outer housing for any further controldevice(s) that are included in the device.

An example implementation of a cartridge 300 for use in an aerosoldelivery device of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.In particular, FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a cartridge according toexample implementations of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3B is apartial cross-section view of the cartridge illustrated in FIG. 3. Asshown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the cartridge 300 includes a tank 302 that isdefined by an outer tank wall 304 that includes a proximal end 306 and adistal end 308, which is closed. As such, the tank 302 may becharacterized in that the tank wall 304 is a sidewall that is continuousaround the tank, and the distal end 308 defines a bottom wall. The tank302 is also configured to contain a liquid composition 324 forvaporization (e.g., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition), whichmay be configured as otherwise described herein. The cartridge 300 alsoincludes a mouthpiece 310 that is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall312 that includes a proximal end 314 with an exit portal 315 definedtherein, and a distal end 316 that engages the proximal end 306 of thetank 302.

For aerosol delivery systems that are characterized as electroniccigarettes, the aerosol precursor composition may incorporate tobacco orcomponents derived from tobacco. In one regard, the tobacco may beprovided as parts or pieces of tobacco, such as finely ground, milled orpowdered tobacco lamina. Tobacco beads, pellets, or other solid formsmay be included, such as described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2015/0335070 to Sears et al., the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference. In another regard, the tobacco may be provided inthe form of an extract, such as a spray dried extract that incorporatesmany of the water soluble components of tobacco. Alternatively, tobaccoextracts may have the form of relatively high nicotine content extracts,which extracts also incorporate minor amounts of other extractedcomponents derived from tobacco. In another regard, components derivedfrom tobacco may be provided in a relatively pure form, such as certainflavoring agents that are derived from tobacco. In one regard, acomponent that is derived from tobacco, and that may be employed in ahighly purified or essentially pure form, is nicotine (e.g.,pharmaceutical grade nicotine).

In the depicted implementation, the liquid composition, sometimereferred to as an aerosol precursor composition or a vapor precursorcomposition or “e-liquid”, may comprise a variety of componentsincluding, by way of example, a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin,propylene glycol, or a mixture thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobaccoextract, and/or flavorants. Representative types of aerosol precursorcomponents and formulations also are set forth and characterized in U.S.Pat. No. 7,217,320 to Robinson et al. and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos.2013/0008457 to Zheng et al.; 2013/0213417 to Chong et al.; 2014/0060554to Collett et al.; 2015/0020823 to Lipowicz et al.; and 2015/0020830 toKoller, as well as WO 2014/182736 to Bowen et al, the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Otheraerosol precursors that may be employed include the aerosol precursorsthat have been incorporated in VUSE® products by R. J. Reynolds VaporCompany, the BLU™ products by Fontem Ventures B.V., the MISTIC MENTHOLproduct by Mistic Ecigs, MARK TEN products by Nu Mark LLC, the JUULproduct by Juul Labs, Inc., and VYPE products by CN Creative Ltd. Alsodesirable are the so-called “smoke juices” for electronic cigarettesthat have been available from Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC. Stillfurther example aerosol precursor compositions are sold under the brandnames BLACK NOTE, COSMIC FOG, THE MILKMAN E-LIQUID, FIVE PAWNS, THEVAPOR CHEF, VAPE WILD, BOOSTED, THE STEAM FACTORY, MECH SAUCE, CASEYJONES MAINLINE RESERVE, MITTEN VAPORS, DR. CRIMMY'S V-LIQUID, SMILEY ELIQUID, BEANTOWN VAPOR, CUTTWOOD, CYCLOPS VAPOR, SICBOY, GOOD LIFEVAPOR, TELEOS, PINUP VAPORS, SPACE JAM, MT. BAKER VAPOR, and JIMMY THEJUICE MAN.

The amount of aerosol precursor that is incorporated within the aerosoldelivery system is such that the aerosol generating piece providesacceptable sensory and desirable performance characteristics. Forexample, it is highly preferred that sufficient amounts of aerosolforming material (e.g., glycerin and/or propylene glycol), be employedin order to provide for the generation of a visible mainstream aerosolthat in many regards resembles the appearance of tobacco smoke. Theamount of aerosol precursor within the aerosol generating system may bedependent upon factors such as the number of puffs desired per aerosolgenerating piece. In one or more embodiments, about 1 ml or more, about2 ml or more, about 5 ml or more, or about 10 ml or more of the aerosolprecursor composition may be included.

In some implementations, the liquid composition may include one or moreflavorants. As used herein, reference to a “flavorant” refers tocompounds or components that can be aerosolized and delivered to a userand which impart a sensory experience in terms of taste and/or aroma.Example flavorants include, but are not limited to, vanillin, ethylvanillin, cream, tea, coffee, fruit (e.g., apple, cherry, strawberry,peach and citrus flavors, including lime and lemon), maple, menthol,mint, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, nutmeg, clove, lavender,cardamom, ginger, honey, anise, sage, rosemary, hibiscus, rose hip,yerba mate, guayusa, honeybush, rooibos, yerba santa, bacopa monniera,gingko biloba, withania somnifera, cinnamon, sandalwood, jasmine,cascarilla, cocoa, licorice, and flavorings and flavor packages of thetype and character traditionally used for the flavoring of cigarette,cigar, and pipe tobaccos. Syrups, such as high fructose corn syrup, alsocan be employed. Example plant-derived compositions that may be suitableare disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,107,453 and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2012/0152265 both to Dube et al., the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The selection ofsuch further components are variable based upon factors such as thesensory characteristics that are desired for the smoking article, andthe present disclosure is intended to encompass any such furthercomponents that are readily apparent to those skilled in the art oftobacco and tobacco-related or tobacco-derived products. See, e.g.,Gutcho, Tobacco Flavoring Substances and Methods, Noyes Data Corp.(1972) and Leffingwell et al., Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products(1972), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties. It should be noted that reference to a flavorantshould not be limited to any single flavorant as described above, andmay, in fact, represent a combination of one or more flavorants.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the cartridge 300 further includes a heater 320 anda liquid transport element 322 that extends between the heater and theliquid composition 324 contained within the tank 302. In variousimplementations, the heater 320 and liquid transport element 322 may beconfigured as separate elements that are fluidly connected or may beconfigured as a combined element. Moreover, the heater 320 and theliquid transport element 322 may be formed of any construction asotherwise described herein. The cartridge 300 also includes one or moreelectrical contacts 325 that are configured to electrically connect theheater 320 with the battery 216 and/or control component 234 of thecontrol device 200.

In various implementations, the liquid transport element 322 may beformed of one or more materials configured for transport of a liquid,such as by capillary action. In some implementations, for example, aliquid transport element may be formed of fibrous materials (e.g.,organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabrics, glassfibers), porous ceramics, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass,sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillary tubes, or thelike. The liquid transport element 322 thus may be any material thatcontains an open pore network (i.e., a plurality of pores that areinterconnected so that fluid may flow from one pore to another in aplurality of direction through the element). As further discussedherein, some implementations of the present disclosure may particularlyrelate to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. As such, fibroustransport elements may be expressly excluded. Alternatively,combinations of fibrous transport elements and non-fibrous transportelements may be utilized. Representative types of substrates, reservoirsor other components for supporting the aerosol precursor are describedin U.S. Pat. No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos.2014/0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014/0059780 to Davis et al.; andU.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0216232 to Bless et al.; which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Additionally,various wicking materials, and the configuration and operation of thosewicking materials within certain types of electronic cigarettes, are setforth in U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al.; which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety. In some implementations, the liquidtransport element 322 may be formed partially or completely from aporous monolith, such as a porous ceramic, a porous glass, or the like.Example monolithic materials suitable for use according to embodimentsof the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. App.Pub. No. 2017/0188626, and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0123989 toLaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by referencein their entireties. In some implementations, the porous monolith mayform a substantially solid wick.

In various implementations, the heater 320 may comprise one or moredifferent materials configured to produce heat when electrical currentis applied therethrough. In some implementations, the heater 320 may bea wire coil. Example materials from which the wire coil may be formedinclude stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloys, Kanthal(FeCrAl), Nichrome, Molybdenum disilicide (MoSi₂), molybdenum silicide(MoSi), Molybdenum disilicide doped with Aluminum (Mo(Si,Al)₂),titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium,graphite and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams andyarns). In further implementations, the heater 320 may be formed fromconductive inks, boron doped silica, and/or ceramics (e.g., positive ornegative temperature coefficient ceramics). Other types of heaters mayalso be utilized, such as laser diodes or microheaters. A laser diodecan be configured to deliver electromagnetic radiation at a specificwavelength or band of wavelengths that can be tuned for vaporization ofthe aerosol precursor composition and/or tuned for heating a liquidtransport element via which the aerosol precursor composition may beprovided for vaporization. The laser diode can particularly bepositioned so as to deliver the electromagnetic radiation within achamber, and the chamber may be configured to be radiation-trapping(e.g., a black body or a white body). Suitable microheaters aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Microheaters, forexample, can comprise a substrate (e.g., quartz, silica) with a heatertrace thereon (e.g., a resistive element such as Ag, Pd, Ti, Pt, Pt/Ti,boron-doped silicon, or other metals or metal alloys), which may beprinted or otherwise applied to the substrate. A passivating layer(e.g., aluminum oxide or silica) may be provided over the heater trace.The heater 320 in particular may be configured to be substantially flat.Such heaters are described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2016/0345633 toDePiano et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

In the depicted implementation, the outer tank wall 304 is configured tobe one of at least partially transparent or translucent so that theliquid composition 324 contained therein is visible externally. As such,in some implementations, the entire outer tank wall 304 may betransparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some implementations, onlya single side of the outer tank wall 304 may be transparent ortranslucent while the remaining portions of the outer tank wall may besubstantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall 304 maybe substantially opaque, and a strip (e.g., about 1 mm wide to about 20mm wide or about 2 mm wide to about 18 mm wide or about 5 mm wide toabout 15 mm wide) extending from the proximal end 306 of the tank 302 tothe distal end 308 of the tank may be transparent or translucent. Infurther implementations, the outer tank wall 304 may be colored. In someimplementations, the color can be configured so that the liquidcomposition 324 within the tank 302 is still visible, such by using atransparent or translucent outer tank wall. In other implementations,the tank wall can be configured so that the outer tank wall 304 hassubstantially opaque color.

In various implementations, the control device 200 may be configured sothat at least a portion of the tank 302 is visible when the cartridge300 is engaged with the control device 200. As noted above, in someimplementations, at least a portion of the outer tank wall 304 may beconfigured to be one of at least partially transparent or translucent sothat the liquid composition 324 contained therein is visible externally,and the outer wall 204 of the control device 200 may be configured toinclude an indication window 240 through which a portion of the outertank wall 304 and any liquid composition 324 present in the tank 302 canbe visible when the cartridge 300 is engaged with the control device200.

In various implementations, the aerosol delivery device 100 and/or thecontrol device 200 of the aerosol delivery device 100 may furtherinclude an external connector configured for electrical contact witheach of the device external connection element (e.g., device externalconnection element 218). The external connector may include a firstconnector end and a second connector end interconnected by a union,which may be, for example, a cord of variable length. In variousimplementations, the first connector end may be configured forelectrical and, optionally, mechanical connection with the controldevice. In particular, the first connector end may include an inset wallthat can be received within a well present at the distal end 206 of thecontrol device 200. The external connector may include a plurality ofelectrical pins interior to the inset wall configured for making acharging and/or information transferring connection with the deviceexternal connection element 218. In some implementations, the controldevice 200 may include a mechanical connector (e.g., a mechanicalconnector 242) adjacent the control device external connection element218. In some implementations, the mechanical connector 242 may be amagnet or a metal (or like element) that is adapted for magneticattraction to a magnet. The first connector end of the externalconnection may then likewise include a mechanical connection elementthat may be positioned between the inset wall and the electrical pins.In various implementations, the mechanical connection element may be amagnet or a metal (or like element) that is adapted for magneticattraction to a magnet. The second connector end may be configured forconnection to a computer or similar electronic device or for connectionto a power source. For example, the second connector end may have aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) connection; however, a different connectionmay also be provided and/or an adapter may likewise be included (e.g., aUSB/AC adapter). For example, an adaptor including a USB connector atone end and a power unit connector at an opposing end is disclosed inU.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0261495 to Novak et al., which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Yet other features, controls or components that can be incorporated intoaerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure are described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,967,148 to Harris et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,289 to Watkinset al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,979 to Counts et al.; U.S. Pat. No.6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,742 to Hon; U.S.Pat. No. 8,402,976 to Fernando et al.; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos.2010/0163063 to Fernando et al.; 2013/0192623 to Tucker et al.;2013/0298905 to Leven et al.; 2013/0180553 to Kim et al., 2014/0000638to Sebastian et al., 2014/0261495 to Novak et al., and 2014/0261408 toDePiano et al.; which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

In various implementations, the mouthpiece 310 of the cartridge 300 maybe configured for engagement with the tank 302. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 3B, the distal end 316 of the mouthpiece 310 mayinclude a rim wall 330 that is at least partially inset from the outermouthpiece wall 312. The rim wall 330 may be configured to engage aninterior of the proximal end 306 of the outer tank wall 304. In someimplementations, the rim wall 330 may have a length of about 1 mm toabout 20 mm, about 2 mm to about 18 mm, or about 5 mm to about 15 mm. Insome implementations, the rim wall 330 may engage the outer tank wall304 via a friction fit alone, or the rim wall may be substantiallypermanently attached to the outer tank wall, such as through welding orgluing.

In some implementations, the mouthpiece 310 may define an open interiorspace through which formed vapor may combine with air to form an aerosolfor output through the exit portal 315 of the mouthpiece 310. In one ormore implementations, the mouthpiece 310 may include one or more furtherinterior walls that can be arranged to define one or more compartmentswithin the mouthpiece. For example, the mouthpiece may include aninterior upper wall between the proximal end and the distal end of themouthpiece and also include an interior lower wall between the interiorupper wall and the proximal end of the mouthpiece. More particularly, asseen in FIG. 3B, the mouthpiece 310 may include an interior upper wall332 between the proximal end 314 and the distal end 316 of themouthpiece 310. Further, the mouthpiece 310 may include an interiorlower wall 334 between the interior upper wall 332 and the distal end316 of the mouthpiece 310.

In various implementations, two or more walls in the mouthpiece may beconfigured to define a vaporization chamber within which the heater maybe positioned. As shown in FIG. 3B, the outer mouthpiece wall 312, theinterior upper wall 332, and the interior lower wall 334 define avaporization chamber 340 wherein the heater 320 is positioned. In someimplementations, the one or more electrical contacts 325 may bepositioned within the portion of the outer mouthpiece wall 312 definingthe vaporization chamber 340; however, it is understood that one or moreelectrical leads may extend from the heater 320 to one or moreelectrical contacts positioned at a different portion of the outermouthpiece wall or positioned in the outer tank wall 304. One or morewalls of the mouthpiece may also include one or more openings forpassage therethrough of one or more further elements of the cartridge300 or passage of formed vapor/aerosol. For example, the interior upperwall 332 may include a vapor opening 336 through which vapor formed inthe vaporization chamber 340 may pass toward the first exit portal 315.In some implementations, the vapor opening 336 in the interior upperwall 332 may be substantially centrally located therein and may besubstantially aligned with the heater 320 along a longitudinal axis ofthe cartridge 300. As a further example, the interior lower wall 334 mayinclude a wick aperture 338 through which the first liquid transportelement 322 (e.g., a wick) can pass between the heater 320 and theliquid composition 324 in the tank 302.

In various implementations, two or more walls in the mouthpiece may beconfigured to define a cooling chamber within which formed aerosol canbe allowed to expand and/or cool before passing through the exit portal.As shown in FIG. 3B, for example, the outer mouthpiece wall 312 and theinterior upper wall 332 define a cooling chamber 342 that receivesformed vapor/aerosol from the vaporization chamber 340. As such, thevapor/aerosol formed by the heater 320 passes from the vaporizationchamber 340 through the vapor opening 336 and into the cooling chamber342. In some implementations, the vaporization chamber 340 and thecooling chamber 342 may be configured to have a defined relative volumeratio. For example, in some implementations, the volume ratio of thevaporization chamber 340 to the cooling chamber 342 can be about 2:1 toabout 1:4, about 1:1 to about 1:4, or about 1:1.5 to about 1:3.

If desired, the mouthpiece 310 may also include one or more elementsconfigured to reduce or prevent leakage of condensed liquids therefrom.For example, in some implementations, all or a part of the interior ofthe mouthpiece wall 312 and/or the interior upper wall 332 defining thecooling chamber 342 may be formed from or include an absorptive oradsorptive material configured to hold liquid. Alternatively oradditionally, all or a part of the interior of the mouthpiece wall 312and/or the interior upper wall 332 defining the cooling chamber 342 maybe configured to direct liquid back toward the vaporization chamber 340,such as through the addition of microchannels or the like.

In one or more implementations, the cartridge 300 may be configured suchthat the mouthpiece wall 312 includes a flange positioned between theproximal end 314 and the distal end 316 thereof. For example, referringto FIGS. 3A and 3B, the mouthpiece 310 includes a flange 350 thatextends circumferentially from the mouthpiece wall 312 aroundsubstantially the entirety of the mouthpiece 310. In someimplementations, the distance that the flange 350 extends from themouthpiece wall 310 can be substantially uniform around the entirecircumference of the mouthpiece 310. In other implementations (such asthe depicted implementation) the distance that the flange 350 extendsfrom the mouthpiece wall 312 may vary at one or more points around thecircumference of the mouthpiece 310. The overall cartridge 300 or themouthpiece 310 separately can be defined in relation to a longitudinalaxis (L), a first transverse axis (T1) that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis, and a second transverse axis (T2) that isperpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is perpendicular to the firsttransverse axis.

In some implementations, the overall cartridge 300 and/or the mouthpiece310 thus may be defined in relation to a total length along thelongitudinal axis (L), a total width along the first transverse axis(T1), and a total depth along the second longitudinal axis (T2). Thelength may be greater than the width, which in turn may be greater thanthe depth. The distance that the flange 350 extends away from themouthpiece wall 312 may be greater along the second transverse axis (T2)than along the first transverse axis (T1). Thus, in someimplementations, the total distance between opposing outer edges of theflange 350 across the mouthpiece 310 along the first transverse axis(T1) may be greater than the total distance between opposing edges ofthe flange across the mouthpiece along the second transverse axis (T2);the total distance between opposing outer edges of the flange 350 acrossthe mouthpiece 310 along the first transverse axis (T1) may besubstantially equal to the total distance between opposing edges of theflange across the mouthpiece along the second transverse axis (T2); orthe total distance between opposing outer edges of the flange 350 acrossthe mouthpiece 310 along the first transverse axis (T1) may be less thanthe total distance between opposing edges of the flange across themouthpiece along the second transverse axis (T2). In particularimplementations, a distance (d2) between the mouthpiece wall 312 and anouter edge of the flange 350 as measured along the second transverseaxis (T2) may be greater than a distance between the mouthpiece wall andan outer edge of the flange as measured along the first transverse axis(T1). Said distances particularly may be as measured at about a midpointof each of the first transverse axis (T1) and the second transverse axis(T2).

According to the present disclosure, the cartridge and the controldevice each include at least one connector configured to provide amagnetic and an electrical connection between the cartridge and thecontrol device such that the cartridge can be removably and operativelyreceived into the cartridge receiving chamber of the control body, andwherein the at least one connector of the cartridge is located on themouthpiece. As will be discussed in more detail below, in variousimplementations the at least one connector of the cartridge and thecontrol device may have a variety of different forms, shapes, sizes,positions, etc., so as to provide a magnetic and an electricalconnection between the cartridge and the control device. In addition, invarious implementations the same connector of the cartridge and/or thecontrol device may provide one or both of the magnetic and theelectrical connections.

For example, FIG. 4A illustrates a partial perspective view of an innerframe of a control device according to an example implementation of thepresent disclosure. In particular, FIG. 4A illustrates a portion of aninner frame 415 for use with a corresponding control device. In manyaspects, the control device may have a similar configuration and mayinclude similar components (and similar configuration and componentvariations) as that of the control device 200 described above. As such,reference is made to the pertinent discussions of these configurationsand components (and configuration and component variations), which willnot be repeated here.

As shown in the figures, the inner frame 415 of the depictedimplementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 412 and a flange450 defined at an upper end thereof. The inner frame 415 of the depictedimplementation also includes a plurality of magnets 452 locatedproximate the upper flange 450 of the inner frame 415. In the depictedimplementation, there are four individual magnets 452A, 452B, 452C,452D, each of which has a substantially block-like or rectangularprismatic shape, although in other implementation more or lessindividual magnets may be used and the magnets may have different shapesand/or sizes. In the depicted implementation, the magnets 452A, 452B,452C, 452D are approximately equally spaced around the outside of theinner frame 415 and below the upper flange 450 thereof, with each of theplurality of magnets being located inside a corresponding magnetreceiving feature 453, which, in the depicted implementation, is anextension of the upper flange 450. Although other methods are possible,the magnets 452A, 452B, 452C, 452D of the depicted implementation may beaffixed inside the magnet receiving features 453 via a press-fit and/oradhesive connection, or via an insert molding process.

In various implementations of the present disclosure, the magnetsdescribed above, or any other magnets described herein, may comprisemany different types of magnets, including rare earth magnets. Forexample, in some implementations, one or more magnets may compriseNeodymium magnets (also known as NdFeB, NIB, or Neo magnets). In variousimplementations, different grades of Neodymium magnets may be used,including, for example, N35, N38, N40, N42, N45, N48, N50, and/or N52grades. In other implementations, one or more magnets may compriseSamarium Cobalt magnets (also known as SmCo magnets). In still otherimplementations, one or more magnets may comprise Ceramic/Ferritemagnets. In other implementations, one or more magnets may compriseAluminum-Nickel-Cobalt (AlNiCo) magnets. In any of the foregoingimplementations, one or more magnets may be plated and/or coated. Forexample, in some implementations, one or more magnets may be coated withnickel. In other implementations, one or more magnets may be coated withone or more of zinc, tin, copper, epoxy, silver and/or gold. In someimplementations, one or more magnets may be coated with combinations ofthese materials. For example, in one implementation, one or more magnetsmay be coated with nickel, copper, and nickel again. In anotherimplementation, one or more magnets may be coated with nickel, copper,nickel, and a top coating of gold.

The inner frame 415 of the depicted implementation also includes a pairof conductive pins 420A, 420B located in the inner frame 415 and belowthe upper flange 450 thereof. In the depicted implementation, theconductive pins 420A, 420B are operatively connected to the battery ofthe control device in order, as will be discussed below, to providepower to the heater of an inserted cartridge. The conductive pins 420A,420B of the depicted implementation comprise spring-loaded pins (e.g.,electrical pogo pins), each of which is biased inward such that aportion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridge receivingchamber 412 and is configured to deflect outward against the force of anintegral spring, although in other implementations other types ofconductive elements may be used. In the depicted implementation, theconductive pins 420A, 420B comprise gold plated metal pins; however,other materials or combinations of materials, which may also includecoatings and/or platings of electrically conductive materials, arepossible. Examples of electrically conductive materials, include, butare not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold,silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramicmaterials, and/or any combination thereof. In the depictedimplementation, ends of the conductive pins 420A, 420B have a roundedprofile, although other profiles are possible, such that deflection ofthe conductive pins 420A, 420B is facilitated when a cartridge isinserted into the receiving chamber 412. In the depicted implementation,the conductive pins 420A, 420B may be affixed inside the inner frame 415via a press-fit and/or adhesive connection, or via an insert moldingprocess, such that the movable components of the conductive pins areable to deflect outward against the force of the springs.

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 4Billustrates a cartridge 500 that includes a tank 502 that is defined byan outer tank wall 504 that includes a proximal end 506 and a distal end508, which is closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 500 may have asimilar configuration and may include similar components (and similarconfiguration and component variations) as that of the cartridge 300described above, which will not be repeated here. As such, reference ismade to the pertinent discussions of these configurations and components(and configuration and component variations).

The cartridge 500 of the depicted implementation includes a mouthpiece510 that is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 512 that includes aproximal end 514 with an exit portal 515 defined therein, and a distalend 516 that engages the proximal end 506 of the tank 502. In thedepicted implementation, the mouthpiece wall 512 includes a flange 550positioned between the proximal end 514 and the distal end 516 thereof.The cartridge 500 of the depicted implementation also includes a metalplate 552, which is disposed below the flange 550. In the depictedimplementation, the metal plate 552 is affixed to the bottom of theflange 550 of the mouthpiece 510 via an adhesive, although in otherimplementations other methods of attachment are possible, including, forexample, via an insert molding process. In various implementations, themetal plate 552 may comprise any material configured to be attracted bya magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, but notlimited, to iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or anycombination thereof. The cartridge 500 also includes a pair ofconductive plugs 525A, 525B located on opposite sides of the mouthpiece510 and below the flange 550 and metal plate 552. In the depictedimplementation, the conductive plugs 525A, 525B may be affixed insidethe mouthpiece 510 of the cartridge 500 via an adhesive, although inother implementations other methods of attachment of possible,including, for example, via an insert molding process. In the depictedimplementation, the conductive plugs 525A, 525B are operativelyconnected to a heater 520 (see FIG. 5) of the cartridge 500. In variousimplementations, the conductive plugs 525A, 525B may be constructed ofany electrically conductive material, including, for example, but notlimited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver,iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials,and/or any combination thereof.

In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 500 of FIG. 4B isconfigured to be coupled with the cartridge receiving chamber 412 of theinner frame 415 of FIG. 4A, such that magnetic and electricalconnections are created between the cartridge and the control device. Inparticular, FIG. 5 illustrates a partial cross-section view of thecartridge 500 coupled with the inner frame 415 of the control device. Asillustrated in the figure, when the cartridge 500 of the depictedimplementation is coupled with the inner frame 415 of the controldevice, a magnetic connection is created between the plurality ofmagnets 452A, 452B, 452C, 452D located in the inner frame 415 of thecontrol device and the metal plate 552 of the cartridge 500. Inaddition, when the cartridge 500 of the depicted implementation iscoupled with the inner frame 415, an electrical connection is createdbetween the pair conductive pins 420A, 420B of the inner frame 415 ofthe control device and the conductive plugs 525A, 525B of the cartridge500. As such, when the cartridge 500 is received in the inner frame 415of the control device, the heater 520 of the cartridge 500 may beoperatively connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, whenthe cartridge 500 of the depicted implementation is coupled with theinner frame 415 of the control device, the cartridge 500 is mechanicallybiased into connection with the inner frame 415 of the control devicesuch that the electrical connection is maintained between the cartridgeand the control device.

It should be noted that for this implementation, and/or any otherimplementation described herein, the magnets may facilitate properrotational orientation of a cartridge relative to a control device. Forexample, while in some implementations the cartridge may be installed inthe control device in any rotational orientation, and in otherimplementations the geometry of the cartridge and/or the control devicemay facilitate proper rotational orientation of the cartridge relativeto the control device, in still other implementations the magnets in thecartridge and the magnets in the control device may facilitate properrotational orientation of the cartridge relative to the control device.For example, if a like pole of a magnet in the cartridge is insertednear a like pole of a magnet in the control device (e.g., the North Poleof a magnet in the cartridge and the North Pole of a magnet in thecontrol device, or the South Pole of a magnet in the cartridge and theSouth Pole of a magnet in the control device) the magnets will repeleach other. However, if opposite poles are placed near each other (e.g.,the North Pole of a magnet in the cartridge and the South Pole of amagnet in the control device, or the South Pole of a magnet in thecartridge and the North Pole of a magnet in the control device) themagnet will attract each other. As a result, positioning of the polarityof the magnets in the cartridge and the control device may be configuredsuch that the opposite poles of the magnets attract each other in theproper rotational orientation of the cartridge relative to the controldevice and repel each other in other rotational orientations of thecartridge relative to the control device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial perspective view of an inner frame 615 of acontrol according to another example implementation of the presentdisclosure. In particular, the inner frame 615 of the depictedimplementation includes a flange 650 defined at an upper end thereof,and a plurality of magnets 652 located proximate the upper flange 450 ofthe inner frame 615. In the depicted implementation, there are fourindividual magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D. In various implementations,the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D are configured to facilitate amagnetic connection between the inner frame 615 of a control device anda cartridge (such as, for example, cartridge 500 of FIG. 4B). As such,the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D of the depicted implementation aresimilar to the magnets described with respect to FIG. 4A. For example,there are four individual magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D in the depictedimplementation, each of which has a substantially block-like orrectangular prismatic shape, although more or less individual magnetsmay be used and the magnets may have different shapes and/or sizes.Reference is made to the possible magnet materials discussed above. Theinner frame 615 of the depicted implementation also includes a pair ofconductive pins 620A, 620B located in the inner frame 615 and below theupper flange 650 thereof. As with the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D,the conductive pins 620A, 620B of the depicted implementation aresimilar to the conductive pins of the implementation of FIG. 4A. Forexample, the conductive pins 620A, 620B of the depicted implementationcomprise spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical pogo pins), each of whichis biased inward such that a portion of the end of the pin extends intothe cartridge receiving chamber 612 and is configured to deflect outwardagainst the force of an integral spring, although in otherimplementations other types of conductive elements may be used.Reference is made to the possible materials for the conductive pinsdescribed above. In the depicted implementation, the conductive pins620A, 620B may be affixed inside the inner frame 615 via a press-fitand/or adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process, such thatthe movable components of the conductive pins are able to deflectoutward against the force of the springs.

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial cross-section view of cartridge 500 coupledwith inner frame 615. In the depicted implementation, the magnets 652A,652B, 652C, 652D are approximately equally spaced around the outside ofthe inner frame 615, with each magnet located inside of a correspondingmagnet receiving feature 653 (see FIG. 6). Although other methods arepossible, the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D of the depictedimplementation may be affixed inside the magnet receiving features 653via a press-fit and/or adhesive connection, or via an insert moldingprocess. Unlike the implementation of FIG. 4A, however, the magnets652A, 652B, 652C, 652D of the depicted implementation are exposed in atop surface of the upper flange 650 of the inner frame 615 such thatwhen cartridge 500 is coupled with the inner frame 615 of the controldevice, the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D make direct contact with themetal plate 552 of the cartridge 500. In such a manner, when using asimilar magnet configuration, the magnetic connection between thecartridge 500 and the inner frame 615 of the implementation of FIG. 7may be stronger than the magnetic connection of the implementation ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of an inner frame of a controldevice according to an example implementation of the present disclosure,and FIG. 8B illustrates a partial exploded top view of an inner frame ofa control device according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure. In particular, FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an inner frame 815for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects, thecontrol device may have a similar configuration and may include similarcomponents (and similar configuration and component variations) as thatof the control device 200 described above. As such, reference is made tothe pertinent discussions of these configurations and components (andconfiguration and component variations), which will not be repeatedhere.

As shown in the figures, the inner frame 815 of the depictedimplementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 812 and aplurality of flange features 856 that extend outward from an upperportion 858 of the inner frame 815. Although other configurations arepossible, the flange features 856 of the depicted implementation areapproximately equally spaced around the periphery of the upper portion858 of the inner frame 815. The upper portion 858 of the inner frame 815also defines an angled surface 860, which angles downward and inwardwith respect to a top edge thereof. The inner frame 815 of the depictedimplementation also includes a plurality of magnets 852 located in theangled surface 860. In the depicted implementation, there are fourindividual magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, 852D, each of which has asubstantially block-like or rectangular prismatic shape, although inother implementations more or less individual magnets may be used andthe magnets may have different shapes and/or sizes. Reference is made tothe possible magnet materials discussed above. In the depictedimplementation, the magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, 852D are approximatelyequally spaced around the angled surface 860 of the inner frame 815.Although other methods are possible, the magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, 852Dof the depicted implementation may be affixed inside angled surface 860via a press-fit and/or adhesive connection, or via an insert moldingprocess.

In addition, the inner frame 815 of the depicted implementation alsoincludes a pair of conductive pins 820A, 820B (not shown in FIG. 8A)located in the inner frame 815 and proximate the upper portion 858thereof. In the depicted implementation, the conductive pins 820A, 820Bcomprise spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical pogo pins), each of whichis biased inward such that a portion of the end of the pin extends intothe cartridge receiving chamber 812 and is configured to deflect outwardagainst the force of an integral spring, although in otherimplementations other types of conductive elements may be used. In thedepicted implementation, ends of the conductive pins 820A, 820B have arounded profile, although other profiles are possible, such thatdeflection of the conductive pins 820A, 820B is facilitated when acartridge is inserted into the receiving chamber 812. In the depictedimplementation, the conductive pins 820A, 820B may be affixed inside theinner frame 815 via a press-fit and/or adhesive connection, or via aninsert molding process, such that the movable components of theconductive pins are able to deflect outward against the force of thesprings. In the depicted implementation the conductive pins 820A, 820Bare operatively connected to the battery of the control device in order,as will be discussed below, to provide power to the heater of aninserted cartridge. In various implementations, the conductive pins820A, 820B may be constructed of any electrically conductive material,including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper,aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite,conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 8C illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 8Cillustrates a cartridge 700 that includes a tank 702 that is defined byan outer tank wall 704 that includes a proximal end 706 and a distal end708, which is closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 700 may have asimilar configuration and may include similar components (and similarconfiguration and component variations) as that of the cartridge 300described above, which will not be repeated here. As such, reference ismade to the pertinent discussions of these configurations and components(and configuration and component variations).

The cartridge 700 of the depicted implementation includes a mouthpiece710 that is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 712 that includes aproximal end 714 with an exit portal 715 defined therein, and a distalend 716 that engages the proximal end 706 of the tank 702. In thedepicted implementation, the mouthpiece wall 712 includes a flange 750positioned between the proximal end 714 and the distal end 716 thereof.The flange 750 of the depicted implementation also includes an angledsurface 760 defined below an upper portion thereof. The cartridge 700 ofthe depicted implementation also includes a plurality of magnets 752located in the angled surface 760. In the depicted implementation, thereare four individual magnets 752A, 752B, 752C, 752D, each of which has asubstantially block-like or rectangular prismatic shape, although inother implementation more or less individual magnets may be used and themagnets may have different shapes and/or sizes. Reference is made to thepossible magnet materials discussed above. In the depictedimplementation, the magnets 752A, 752B, 752C, 752D are approximatelyequally spaced around the angled surface 760 of the flange 750 of thecartridge 700. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 752A,752B, 752C, 752D of the depicted implementation may be affixed insideangled surface 760 via a press-fit and/or adhesive connection, or via aninsert molding process.

Although not shown in the figure, the cartridge 700 also includes a pairof conductive plugs similar to the conductive plugs described above withrespect to cartridge 500 of FIG. 4B. In particular, the conductive plugsare located on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 710 and below the flange750. In the depicted implementation, the conductive plugs may be affixedinside the mouthpiece 710 of the cartridge 700 via an adhesive, althoughin other implementations other methods of attachment of possible,including, for example, via an insert molding process. In the depictedimplementation, the conductive plugs are operatively connected to aheater 720 (see FIG. 9) of the cartridge 700. In variousimplementations, the conductive plugs may be constructed of anyelectrically conductive material, including, for example, but notlimited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver,iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials,and/or any combination thereof. In various implementations, a portion ofthe cartridge 700 of FIG. 8C is configured to be coupled with thecartridge receiving chamber 812 of the inner frame 815 of FIGS. 8A and8B, such that magnetic and electrical connections are created betweenthe cartridge and the control device. In particular, FIG. 9 illustratesa partial cross-section view of the cartridge 700 coupled with the innerframe 815 of the control device. In the depicted implementation, theangled surface 860 of the inner frame 815 is configured to complementthe angled surface 760 of the flange 750 of the cartridge 700. As such,when the cartridge 700 of the depicted implementation is coupled withthe inner frame 815 of the control device, a magnetic connection iscreated between the plurality of magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, 852D locatedin angled surface 860 of the inner frame 815 of the control device, andthe plurality of magnets 752A, 752B, 752C, 752D located in the angledsurface 760 of the cartridge 700. In addition, when the cartridge 700 ofthe depicted implementation is coupled with the inner frame 815, anelectrical connection is created between the pair conductive pins 820A,820B of the inner frame 815 of the control device and the conductiveplugs of the cartridge 700. As such, when the cartridge 700 is receivedin the inner frame 815 of the control device, the heater 720 of thecartridge 700 may be operatively connected to the battery of the controldevice. Thus, when the cartridge 700 of the depicted implementation iscoupled with the inner frame 815 of the control device, the cartridge700 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 815 ofthe control device via the magnetic connection such that the electricalconnection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.It should be noted that in other implementations, either the pluralityof magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, 852D of the inner frame 815 of the controldevice or the plurality of magnets 752A, 752B, 752C, 752D of thecartridge (or a combination of both) may be replaced with metal platesin order to effect the magnetic connection between the cartridge 700 andthe inner frame 815 of the control device.

FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of an inner frame of a controldevice according to an example implementation of the present disclosure,and FIG. 10B illustrates a partial exploded top view of an inner frameof a control device according to an example implementation of thepresent disclosure. In particular, FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an innerframe 1015 for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects,the control device may have a similar configuration and may includesimilar components (and similar configuration and component variations)as that of the control device 200 described above. As such, reference ismade to the pertinent discussions of these configurations and components(and configuration and component variations), which will not be repeatedhere.

As shown in the figures, the inner frame 1015 of the depictedimplementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 1012 and aplurality of flange features 1056 that extend outward from an upperportion 1058 of the inner frame 1015. Although other configurations arepossible, the flange features 1056 of the depicted implementation areapproximately equally spaced around the periphery of the upper portion1058 of the inner frame 1015. The upper portion 1058 of the inner frame1015 also defines an angled surface 1060, which angles downward andinward with respect to a top edge thereof. The inner frame 1015 of thedepicted implementation also includes a plurality of magnets 1052located in the angled surface 1060. In the depicted implementation,there are four individual magnets 1052A, 1052B, 1052C, 1052D, each ofwhich has a substantially block-like or rectangular prismatic shape,although in other implementation more or less individual magnets may beused and the magnets may have different shapes and/or sizes. Referenceis made to the possible magnet materials discussed above. In thedepicted implementation, the magnets 1052A, 1052B, 1052C, 1052D areapproximately equally spaced around the angled surface 1060 of the innerframe 1015. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 1052A,1052B, 1052C, 1052D of the depicted implementation may be affixed insideangled surface 1060 via a press-fit and/or adhesive connection, or viaan insert molding process.

In addition, the inner frame 1015 of the depicted implementation alsoincludes a pair of conductive pins 1020A, 102B (not shown in FIG. 10A)located in the inner frame 1015 and proximate the upper portion 1058thereof. In the depicted implementation, the conductive pins 1020A,1020B comprise spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical pogo pins), each ofwhich is biased inward such that a portion of the end of the pin extendsinto the cartridge receiving chamber 1012 and is configured to deflectoutward against the force of an integral spring, although in otherimplementations other types of conductive elements may be used. In thedepicted implementation, ends of the conductive pins 1020A, 1020B have arounded profile, although other profiles are possible, such thatdeflection of the conductive pins 1020A, 1020B is facilitated when acartridge is inserted into the receiving chamber 1012. In the depictedimplementation, the conductive pins 1020A, 1020B may be affixed insidethe inner frame 1015 via a press-fit and/or adhesive connection, or viaan insert molding process, such that the movable components of theconductive pins are able to deflect outward against the force of thesprings. In the depicted implementation the conductive pins 1020A, 1020Bare operatively connected to the battery of the control device in order,as will be discussed below, to provide power to the heater of aninserted cartridge. In various implementations, the conductive pins1020A, 1020B may be constructed of any electrically conductive material,including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper,aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite,conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 10C illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG.10C illustrates a cartridge 900 that includes a tank 902 that is definedby an outer tank wall 904 that includes a proximal end 906 and a distalend 908, which is closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 900 may have asimilar configuration and may include similar components (and similarconfiguration and component variations) as that of the cartridge 300described above, which will not be repeated here. As such, reference ismade to the pertinent discussions of these configurations and components(and configuration and component variations).

The cartridge 900 of the depicted implementation includes a mouthpiece910 that is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 912 that includes aproximal end 914 with an exit portal 915 defined therein, and a distalend 916 that engages the proximal end 906 of the tank 902. In thedepicted implementation, the mouthpiece wall 912 includes a flange 950positioned between the proximal end 914 and the distal end 916 thereof.In the depicted implementation, the flange 950 of the cartridge 900 alsoincludes a metal ring 952 that defines an angled surface 960. In thedepicted implementation, the metal ring 952 is affixed to the bottom ofthe flange 950 of the mouthpiece 910 via an adhesive, although in otherimplementations other methods of attachment of possible, including, forexample, via an insert molding process. In various implementations, themetal ring 952 may comprise any material configured to be attracted by amagnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, but notlimited, to iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or anycombination thereof.

Although not shown in the figure, the cartridge 900 also includes a pairof conductive plugs similar to the conductive plugs described above withrespect to cartridge 500 of FIG. 4B. In particular, the conductive plugsare located on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 910 and below the flange950. In the depicted implementation, the conductive plugs may be affixedinside the mouthpiece 910 of the cartridge 900 via an adhesive, althoughin other implementations other methods of attachment of possible,including, for example, via an insert molding process. In the depictedimplementation, the conductive plugs are operatively connected to aheater 920 (see FIG. 11) of the cartridge 900. In variousimplementations, the conductive plugs may be constructed of anyelectrically conductive material, including, for example, but notlimited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver,iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials,and/or any combination thereof.

In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 900 of FIG. 10Cis configured to be coupled with the cartridge receiving chamber 1012 ofthe inner frame 1015 of FIGS. 10A and 10B, such that magnetic andelectrical connections are created between the cartridge and the controldevice. In particular, FIG. 11 illustrates a partial cross-section viewof the cartridge 900 coupled with the inner frame 1015 of the controldevice. In the depicted implementation, the angled surface 1060 of theinner frame 1015 is configured to complement the angled surface 960 ofthe metal ring 952 of the flange 950 of the cartridge 900. As such, whenthe cartridge 900 of the depicted implementation is coupled with theinner frame 1015 of the control device, a magnetic connection is createdbetween the plurality of magnets 1052A, 1052B, 1052C, 1052D located inangled surface 1060 of the inner frame 1015 of the control device, andthe metal ring 952 that comprises part of the flange 950 of thecartridge 900. In addition, when the cartridge 900 of the depictedimplementation is coupled with the inner frame 1015, an electricalconnection is created between the pair conductive pins 1020A, 102B ofthe inner frame 1015 of the control device and the conductive plugs ofthe cartridge 900. As such, when the cartridge 900 is received in theinner frame 1015 of the control device, the heater 920 of the cartridge900 may be operatively connected to the battery of the control device.Thus, when the cartridge 900 of the depicted implementation is coupledwith the inner frame 1015 of the control device, the cartridge 900 ismechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 1015 of thecontrol device such that the electrical connection is maintained betweenthe cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 12A illustrates an exploded partial perspective view of an innerframe of a control device according to an example implementation of thepresent disclosure. In particular, FIG. 12A illustrates an inner frame1215 for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects, thecontrol device may have a similar configuration and may include similarcomponents (and similar configuration and component variations) as thatof the control device 200 described above. As such, reference is made tothe pertinent discussions of these configurations and components (andconfiguration and component variations), which will not be repeatedhere.

As shown in the figures, the inner frame 1215 of the depictedimplementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 1212 and amagnetic ring 1252 that defines an upper portion 1258 of the inner frame1215. In the depicted implementation, the magnetic ring 1252 defines anangled surface 1260, which angles downward and inward with respect to atop edge thereof. In the depicted implementation, the magnetic ring 1252is affixed to the inner frame 1215 via an adhesive, although in otherimplementations other methods of attachment of possible, including, forexample, via an insert molding process. Reference is made to thepossible magnet materials discussed above.

In addition, the inner frame 1215 of the depicted implementation alsoincludes a pair of conductive pins 1220A, 1220B located in the innerframe 1215 and proximate the upper portion 1258 thereof. In the depictedimplementation, the conductive pins 1220A, 1220B comprise spring-loadedpins (e.g., electrical pogo pins), each of which is biased inward suchthat a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridgereceiving chamber 1212 and is configured to deflect outward against theforce of an integral spring, although in other implementations othertypes of conductive elements may be used. In the depictedimplementation, ends of the conductive pins 1220A, 1220B have a roundedprofile, although other profiles are possible, such that deflection ofthe conductive pins 1220 is facilitated when a cartridge is insertedinto the receiving chamber 1212. In the depicted implementation, theconductive pins 1220A, 1220B may be affixed inside the inner frame 1215via a press-fit and/or adhesive connection, or via an insert moldingprocess, such that the movable components of the conductive pins areable to deflect outward against the force of the springs. In thedepicted implementation the conductive pins 1220A, 1220B are operativelyconnected to the battery of the control device in order, as will bediscussed below, to provide power to the heater of an insertedcartridge. In various implementations, the conductive pins 1220A, 1220Bmay be constructed of any electrically conductive material, including,for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum,platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductiveceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 12B illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG.12B illustrates a cartridge 1100 that includes a tank 1102 that isdefined by an outer tank wall 1104 that includes a proximal end 1106 anda distal end 1108, which is closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 1100may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (andsimilar configuration and component variations) as that of the cartridge300 described above, which will not be repeated here. As such, referenceis made to the pertinent discussions of these configurations andcomponents (and configuration and component variations).

The cartridge 1100 of the depicted implementation includes a mouthpiece1110 that is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1112 that includes aproximal end 1114 with an exit portal 1115 defined therein, and a distalend 1116 that engages the proximal end 1106 of the tank 1102. In thedepicted implementation, the mouthpiece wall 1112 includes a flange 1150positioned between the proximal end 1114 and the distal end 1116thereof. In the depicted implementation, the flange 1150 of thecartridge 1100 also includes a metal ring 1152 that defines an angledsurface 1160. In various implementations, the metal ring 1152 maycomprise any material configured to be attracted by a magnet, such asvarious ferromagnetic materials, including, but not limited, to iron,nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or any combination thereof.

The cartridge 1100 also includes a pair of conductive plugs 1125A, 1125Blocated on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 1110 and below the metalplate 1152 of the flange 1150. In the depicted implementation, theconductive plugs may be affixed inside the mouthpiece 1110 of thecartridge 1100 via an adhesive, although in other implementations othermethods of attachment of possible, including, for example, via an insertmolding process. In the depicted implementation, the conductive plugs1125A, 1125B are operatively connected to a heater 1120 (see FIG. 13) ofthe cartridge 1100. In various implementations, the conductive plugs1125A, 1125B may be constructed of any electrically conductive material,including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper,aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite,conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 1100 of FIG. 12Bis configured to be coupled with the cartridge receiving chamber 1212 ofthe inner frame 1215 of FIG. 12A, such that magnetic and electricalconnections are created between the cartridge and the control device. Inparticular, FIG. 13 illustrates a partial cross-section view of thecartridge 1100 coupled with the inner frame 1215 of the control device.In the depicted implementation, the angled surface 1260 of the magneticring 1252 of the inner frame 1215 is configured to complement the angledsurface 1160 of the metal ring 1152 of the flange 1150 of the cartridge1100, although in other implementations, the contact surfaces may beflat (e.g., thus creating substantially right angle interfaces betweensurfaces). As such, when the cartridge 1100 of the depictedimplementation is coupled with the inner frame 1215 of the controldevice, a magnetic connection is created between the magnetic ring 1252of the inner frame 1215 of the control device, and the metal ring 1152that comprises part of the flange 1150 of the cartridge 1100. Inaddition, when the cartridge 1100 of the depicted implementation iscoupled with the inner frame 1215, an electrical connection is createdbetween the pair conductive pins 1220A, 1220B of the inner frame 1215 ofthe control device and the conductive plugs 1125A, 1125B of thecartridge 1100. As such, when the cartridge 1100 is received in theinner frame 1215 of the control device, the heater 1120 of the cartridge1100 may be operatively connected to the battery of the control device.Thus, when the cartridge 1100 of the depicted implementation is coupledwith the inner frame 1215 of the control device, the cartridge 1100 ismechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 1215 of thecontrol device such that the electrical connection is maintained betweenthe cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 14A illustrates a partial perspective view of an inner frame of acontrol device according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure. In particular, FIG. 14A illustrates an inner frame 1415 foruse with a corresponding control device. In many aspects, the controldevice may have a similar configuration and may include similarcomponents (and similar configuration and component variations) as thatof the control device 200 described above. As such, reference is made tothe pertinent discussions of these configurations and components (andconfiguration and component variations), which will not be repeatedhere.

As shown in the figures, the inner frame 1415 of the depictedimplementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 1412 and a pair ofseparate magnets 1452A, 1452B that define part of an upper portion 1458of the inner frame 1415. In the depicted implementation, the upperportion 1458 of the inner frame 1415 (defined by the pair of separatemagnets 1452A, 1452B and portions of the inner frame 1415 between themagnets 1452A, 1452B) defines an angled surface 1460, which anglesdownward and inward with respect to a top edge. In the depictedimplementation, the separate magnets 1452A, 1452B have an arc shape andare affixed to the inner frame 1415 via an adhesive, although in otherimplementations other methods of attachment of possible, including, forexample, via an insert molding process. In the depicted implementationthe separate magnets 1452A, 1452B are operatively connected to thebattery of the control device in order, as will be discussed below, toprovide power to the heater of an inserted cartridge. Reference is madeto the possible magnet materials discussed above.

FIG. 14B illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure, and FIG. 14Cillustrates a partial transparent perspective view of a cartridgeaccording to an example implementation of the present disclosure. Inparticular, FIGS. 14B and 14C illustrate a cartridge 1300 that includesa tank 1302 that is defined by an outer tank wall 1304 that includes aproximal end 1306 and a distal end 1308, which is closed. In manyaspects, the cartridge 1300 may have a similar configuration and mayinclude similar components (and similar configuration and componentvariations) as that of the cartridge 300 described above, which will notbe repeated here. As such, reference is made to the pertinentdiscussions of these configurations and components (and configurationand component variations).

The cartridge 1300 of the depicted implementation includes a mouthpiece1310 that is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1312 that includes aproximal end 1314 with an exit portal 1315 defined therein, and a distalend 1316 that engages the proximal end 1306 of the tank 1302. In thedepicted implementation, the mouthpiece wall 1312 includes a flange 1350positioned between the proximal end 1314 and the distal end 1316thereof. In the depicted implementation, the flange 1350 of thecartridge 1300 includes a pair of separate metal plates 1352A, 1352B. Inthe depicted implementation, the pair of separate metal plates 1352A,1352B and portions of the flange 1350 between the metal plates 1352A,1352B define an angled surface 1360, which angles downward and inward.In the depicted implementation, the separate metal plates 1352A, 1352Bhave an arrow head shape and are affixed to the flange 1350 of thecartridge 1300 via an adhesive or an insert molding process, althoughother methods of attachment of possible. In the depicted implementation,the separate metal plates 1352A, 1352B are operatively connected to aheater 1320 (see FIGS. 14C and 15) of the cartridge 1300. In variousimplementations, the metal plates 1352A, 1352B may comprise any materialconfigured to be electrically conductive and attracted by a magnet, suchas various ferromagnetic materials, including, but not limited, to iron,nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or any combination thereof.

In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 1300 of FIGS. 14Band 14C is configured to be coupled with the cartridge receiving chamber1412 of the inner frame 1415 of FIG. 14A, such that magnetic andelectrical connections are created between the cartridge and the controldevice. In particular, FIG. 15 illustrates a partial cross-section viewof the cartridge 1300 coupled with the inner frame 1415 of the controldevice. In the depicted implementation, the angled surface 1460 of theseparate magnets 1452A, 1452B and the portions of the inner frame 1415is configured to complement the angled surface 1360 of the separatemetal plates 1352A, 1352B and the portions of the flange 1350 of thecartridge 1300, although in other implementations, the contact surfacesmay be flat (e.g., thus creating substantially right angle interfacesbetween surfaces). As such, when the cartridge 1300 of the depictedimplementation is coupled with the inner frame 1415 of the controldevice, magnetic and electrical connections are created between theseparate magnets 1452A, 1452B of the inner frame 1415 of the controldevice, and the separate metal plates 1352A, 1352B that comprise part ofthe flange 1350 of the cartridge 1300. As such, when the cartridge 1300is received in the inner frame 1415 of the control device, the heater1320 of the cartridge 1300 may be operatively connected to the batteryof the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 1300 of the depictedimplementation is coupled with the inner frame 1415 of the controldevice, the cartridge 13200 is mechanically biased into connection withthe inner frame 1415 of the control device such that the electricalconnection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 16A illustrates a partial perspective view of an inner frame of acontrol device according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure, and FIG. 16B illustrates a top view of an inner frame of acontrol device according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure. In particular, FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a portion of aninner frame 1615 for use with a corresponding control device. In manyaspects, the control device may have a similar configuration and mayinclude similar components (and similar configuration and componentvariations) as that of the control device 200 described above. As such,reference is made to the pertinent discussions of these configurationsand components (and configuration and component variations), which willnot be repeated here.

As shown in the figures, the inner frame 1615 of the depictedimplementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 1612 and an upperportion 1658 defined at the upper end of the inner frame 1615. The innerframe 1615 of the depicted implementation also includes a plurality ofmagnets 1652 located proximate the upper portion 1658. In the depictedimplementation, there are four individual magnets 1652A, 1652B, 1652C,1652D, each of which has a substantially spherical shape, although inother implementation more or less individual magnets may be used and themagnets may have different shapes and/or sizes. Reference is made to thepossible magnet materials discussed above. In the depictedimplementation, the magnets 1652A, 1652B, 1652C, 1652D are spaced aroundthe outside of the inner frame 1615 and proximate the upper portion 1658thereof, with each of the plurality of magnets being located inside acorresponding magnet receiving feature 1653. In the depictedimplementation, each magnet receiving feature 1653 comprises acompartment within which a respective magnet 1652 is trapped. Eachmagnet receiving feature 1653 further defines an opening 1654, whichextends into the cartridge receiving chamber 1612. In variousimplementations, the magnets 1652A, 1652B, 1652C, 1652D are configuredto move within the receiving features 1653 such that, in one direction,at least a portion of each magnet 1652 is configured to extend through arespective opening 1654, and in an opposite direction, each magnet maymove away from the opening 1654.

In addition, the inner frame 1615 of the depicted implementation alsoincludes a pair of conductive pins 1620A, 1620B located in the innerframe 1615 and proximate the upper portion 1658 thereof. In the depictedimplementation, the conductive pins 1620A, 1620B comprise spring-loadedpins (e.g., electrical pogo pins), each of which is biased inward suchthat a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridgereceiving chamber 1612 and is configured to deflect outward against theforce of an integral spring, although in other implementations othertypes of conductive elements may be used. In the depictedimplementation, ends of the conductive pins 1620A, 1620B have a roundedprofile, although other profiles are possible, such that deflection ofthe conductive pins 1620A, 1620B is facilitated when a cartridge isinserted into the receiving chamber 1612. In the depictedimplementation, the conductive pins 1620A, 1620B may be affixed insidethe inner frame 1615 via a press-fit and/or adhesive connection, or viaan insert molding process, such that the movable components of theconductive pins are able to deflect outward against the force of thesprings. In the depicted implementation the conductive pins 1620A, 1620Bare operatively connected to the battery of the control device in order,as will be discussed below, to provide power to the heater of aninserted cartridge. In various implementations, the conductive pins1620A, 1620B may be constructed of any electrically conductive material,including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper,aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite,conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 16C illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG.16C illustrates a cartridge 1500 that includes a tank 1502 that isdefined by an outer tank wall 1504 that includes a proximal end 1506 anda distal end 1508, which is closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 1500may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (andsimilar configuration and component variations) as that of the cartridge300 described above, which will not be repeated here. As such, referenceis made to the pertinent discussions of these configurations andcomponents (and configuration and component variations).

The cartridge 1500 of the depicted implementation includes a mouthpiece1510 that is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1512 that includes aproximal end 1514 with an exit portal 1515 defined therein, and a distalend 1516 that engages the proximal end 1506 of the tank 1502. In thedepicted implementation, the mouthpiece wall 1512 includes a flange 1550positioned between the proximal end 1514 and the distal end 1516thereof. The cartridge 1500 of the depicted implementation also includesa pair of metal plates 1552A, 1552B, each of which is disposed below theflange 1550 and on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 1510. In thedepicted implementation, the metal plates 1552A, 1552B are affixed tothe mouthpiece 1510 via an adhesive or an insert molding process,although in other implementations other methods of attachment arepossible. In the depicted implementation, each of the metal plates1552A, 1552B includes a pair of detents 1555 located on opposite endsthereof. In various implementations, the detents 1555 are configured toreceive a portion of the spherical magnets 1652 of the cartridge 1600.In the depicted implementation, the metal plates 1552 are alsooperatively connected to a heater 1520 (see FIG. 5) of the cartridge1500. In various implementations, the metal plates 1552A, 1552B maycomprise any material configured to be electrically conductive andattracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials,including, but not limited, to iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such assteel, and/or any combination thereof.

In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 1500 of FIG. 16Cis configured to be coupled with the cartridge receiving chamber 1612 ofthe inner frame 1615 of FIGS. 16A and 16B, such that magnetic andelectrical connections are created between the cartridge and the controldevice. In particular, FIG. 17 illustrates a partial cross-section viewof the cartridge 1500 coupled with the inner frame 1615 of the controldevice. As illustrated in the figure, when the cartridge 1500 of thedepicted implementation is coupled with the inner frame 1615 of thecontrol device, a magnetic connection is created between the pluralityof magnets 1652 located in the inner frame 1615 of the control deviceand the metal plates 1652 of the cartridge. In particular, when thecartridge 1500 is coupled with the inner frame 1615 of the controldevice, the plurality of magnets 1652 locate within respective detents1555 of the metal plates 1552A, 1552B. In addition, when the cartridge1500 of the depicted implementation is coupled with the inner frame1615, an electrical connection is created between the pair conductivepins 1620A, 1620B of the inner frame 1615 of the control device and themetal plates 1552A, 1552B of the cartridge 1500. As such, when thecartridge 1500 is received in the inner frame 1615 of the controldevice, the heater 1520 of the cartridge 1500 may be operativelyconnected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge1500 of the depicted implementation is coupled with the inner frame 1615of the control device, the cartridge 1500 is mechanically biased intoconnection with the inner frame 1615 of the control device such that theelectrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and thecontrol device.

FIG. 18A illustrates a partial perspective view of an inner frame of acontrol device according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure. In particular, FIG. 18A illustrates a portion of an innerframe 1815 for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects,the control device may have a similar configuration and may includesimilar components (and similar configuration and component variations)as that of the control device 200 described above. As such, reference ismade to the pertinent discussions of these configurations and components(and configuration and component variations), which will not be repeatedhere.

As shown in the figures, the inner frame 1815 of the depictedimplementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 1812 that definesan upper portion 1858 thereof. The inner frame 1815 of the depictedimplementation also includes a pair of magnets 1852A, 1852B located inthe outer wall of the control device and above the upper portion 1858 ofthe inner frame 1815. In the depicted implementation, the magnets 1852A,1852B are located on opposite sides of the control device and eachmagnet 1852 has a wedge shape that defines an undercut surface 1857. Inthe depicted implementation, the magnets 1852A, 1852B may be affixed tothe control device via an adhesive, although in other implementationsother methods of attachment are possible, including, for example, via aninsert molding process. Reference is made to the possible magnetmaterials discussed above.

In addition, the inner frame 1815 of the depicted implementation alsoincludes a pair of conductive pins 1820A, 1820B located in the innerframe 1815 proximate the upper portion 1858 thereof. In the depictedimplementation, the conductive pins 1820A, 1820B comprise spring-loadedpins (e.g., electrical pogo pins), each of which is biased inward suchthat a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridgereceiving chamber 1812 and is configured to deflect outward against theforce of an integral spring, although in other implementations othertypes of conductive elements may be used. In the depictedimplementation, ends of the conductive pins 1820A, 1820B have a roundedprofile, although other profiles are possible, such that deflection ofthe conductive pins 1820A, 1820B is facilitated when a cartridge isinserted into the receiving chamber 1812. In the depictedimplementation, the conductive pins 1820A, 1820B may be affixed insidethe inner frame 1815 via a press-fit and/or adhesive connection, or viaan insert molding process, such that the movable components of theconductive pins are able to deflect outward against the force of thesprings. In the depicted implementation the conductive pins 1820A, 1820Bare operatively connected to the battery of the control device in order,as will be discussed below, to provide power to the heater of aninserted cartridge. In various implementations, the conductive pins1820A, 1820B may be constructed of any electrically conductive material,including, for example, but not limited to, copper, aluminum, platinum,gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramicmaterials, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 18B illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG.18B illustrates a cartridge 1700 that includes a tank 1702 that isdefined by an outer tank wall 1704 that includes a proximal end 1706 anda distal end 1708, which is closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 1700may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (andsimilar configuration and component variations) as that of the cartridge300 described above, which will not be repeated here. As such, referenceis made to the pertinent discussions of these configurations andcomponents (and configuration and component variations).

The cartridge 1700 of the depicted implementation includes a mouthpiece1710 that is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1712 that includes aproximal end 1714 with an exit portal 1715 defined therein, and a distalend 1716 that engages the proximal end 1706 of the tank 1702. In thedepicted implementation, the mouthpiece wall 1712 includes a flange 1750positioned between the proximal end 1714 and the distal end 1716thereof. The cartridge 1700 of the depicted implementation also includesa pair of sliding metal plates 1752A, 1752B, which are disposed in theflange 1750. In the depicted implementation, each of the metal plates1752 has a pointed structure that defines a peak area 1759 and isconfigured to slide outward with the force of a spring and inwardagainst the force of the spring. The extent to which the metal plates1752A, 1752B extend outward is limited by the structure of the flange1750. The cartridge 1700 also includes a pair of conductive plugs 1725A,1725B located on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 1710 and below theflange 1750 and metal plates 1752A, 1752B. In the depictedimplementation, the conductive plugs 1725A, 1725B may be affixed insidethe mouthpiece 1710 of the cartridge 1700 via an adhesive, although inother implementations other methods of attachment of possible,including, for example, via an insert molding process. In the depictedimplementation, the conductive plugs 1725A, 1725B are operativelyconnected to a heater 1720 (see FIGS. 19A and 19B) of the cartridge1700. As noted above, in various implementations, the conductive plugs1725A, 1725B may be constructed of any electrically conductive material,including, for example, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum,gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramicmaterials, and/or any combination thereof. In various implementations,the metal plates 1752A, 1752B may comprise any material configured to beattracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials,including, but not limited, to iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such assteel, and/or any combination thereof. In various implementations, theconductive plugs 1725A, 1725B may be constructed of any electricallyconductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper,beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass,bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combinationthereof.

In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 1700 of FIG. 18Bis configured to be coupled with the cartridge receiving chamber 1812 ofthe inner frame 1815 of FIG. 18A, such that magnetic and electricalconnections are created between the cartridge and the control device. Inparticular, FIG. 19A illustrates a partial cross-section view of thecartridge 1700 prior to being fully coupled with the inner frame 1815 ofthe control device, and FIG. 19B illustrates a partial cross-sectionview of the cartridge 1700 after being coupled with the inner frame 1815of the control device. As the cartridge 1700 is inserted into the innerframe 1815 of the control device, the pointed sliding metal plates firstdeflect inward until the peak areas 1759 of the metal plates 1752A,1752B pass the top edge of the control device magnets 1852A, 1852B atwhich point the sliding metal plates 1752A, 1752B extend outward againstthe undercut surface 1857 of the magnets 1852A, 1852B until thecartridge is received in inner frame 1815. As also illustrated in thefigures, when the cartridge 1700 of the depicted implementation iscoupled with the inner frame 1815 of the control device, a magneticconnection is created between the pair of magnets 1857 located in thecontrol device and the pair of sliding metal plates 1752A, 1752B of thecartridge. In addition, when the cartridge 1700 of the depictedimplementation is coupled with the inner frame 1815, an electricalconnection is created between the pair conductive pins 1820A, 1820B ofthe inner frame 1815 of the control device and the conductive plugs1725A, 1725B of the cartridge 1700. As such, when the cartridge 1700 isreceived in the inner frame 1815 of the control device, the heater 1720of the cartridge 1700 may be operatively connected to the battery of thecontrol device. Therefore, when the cartridge 1700 of the depictedimplementation is coupled with the inner frame 1815 of the controldevice, the cartridge 1700 is mechanically biased into connection withthe inner frame 1815 of the control device such that the electricalconnection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 20A illustrates a partial transparent perspective view of an innerframe of a control device according to an example implementation of thepresent disclosure, and FIG. 20B illustrates a partial perspective viewof an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIGS. 20A and20B illustrate a portion of an inner frame 2015 for use with acorresponding control device. In many aspects, the control device mayhave a similar configuration and may include similar components (andsimilar configuration and component variations) as that of the controldevice 200 described above. As such, reference is made to the pertinentdiscussions of these configurations and components (and configurationand component variations), which will not be repeated here.

As shown in the figures, the inner frame 2015 of the depictedimplementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 2012 and an upperflange 2050. The inner frame 2015 of the depicted implementation alsoincludes a plurality of magnets 2052 located proximate the upper flange2050 of the inner frame 2015. In particular, the depicted implementationincludes two pairs of cylindrical magnets 2052A, 2052B, 2052C, 2052Deach pair located on opposite sides of the inner frame 2015 andextending proximate the upper flange 2050 thereof, with each of theplurality of magnets being located inside a corresponding magnetreceiving feature 2053, which, in the depicted implementation, is anextension of the upper flange 2050. Reference is made to the possiblemagnet materials discussed above. Although other methods are possible,the magnets 2052A, 2052B, 2052C, 2052D of the depicted implementationmay be affixed inside the magnet receiving features 2053 via a press-fitand/or adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process.

In addition, the inner frame 2015 of the depicted implementation alsoincludes a pair of conductive pins 2020A, 2020B located in the innerframe 2015 and below the upper flange 2050 thereof. In the depictedimplementation, the conductive pins 2020A, 2020B comprise spring-loadedpins (e.g., electrical pogo pins), each of which is biased inward suchthat a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridgereceiving chamber 2012 and is configured to deflect outward against theforce of an integral spring, although in other implementations othertypes of conductive elements may be used. In the depictedimplementation, ends of the conductive pins 2020A, 2020B have a roundedprofile, although other profiles are possible, such that deflection ofthe conductive pins 2020A, 2020B is facilitated when a cartridge isinserted into the receiving chamber 2012. In the depictedimplementation, the conductive pins 2020A, 202B may be affixed insidethe inner frame 2015 via a press-fit and/or adhesive connection, or viaan insert molding process, such that the movable components of theconductive pins are able to deflect outward against the force of thesprings. In the depicted implementation the conductive pins 2020A, 2020Bare operatively connected to the battery of the control device in order,as will be discussed below, to provide power to the heater of aninserted cartridge. In various implementations, the conductive pins2020A, 2020B may be constructed of any electrically conductive material,including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper,aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite,conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 20C illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG.20C illustrates a cartridge 1900 that includes a tank 1902 that isdefined by an outer tank wall 1904 that includes a proximal end 1906 anda distal end 1908, which is closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 1900may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (andsimilar configuration and component variations) as that of the cartridge300 described above, which will not be repeated here. As such, referenceis made to the pertinent discussions of these configurations andcomponents (and configuration and component variations).

The cartridge 1900 of the depicted implementation includes a mouthpiece1910 that is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1912 that includes aproximal end 1914 with an exit portal 1915 defined therein, and a distalend 1916 that engages the proximal end 1906 of the tank 1902. In thedepicted implementation, the mouthpiece wall 1912 includes a flange 1950positioned between the proximal end 1914 and the distal end 1916thereof. The cartridge 1900 of the depicted implementation also includesa metal plate 1952, which is disposed below the flange 1950. In thedepicted implementation, the metal plate 1952 is affixed to the bottomof the flange 1950 of the mouthpiece 1910 via an adhesive, although inother implementations other methods of attachment of possible,including, for example, via an insert molding process. The cartridge1900 also includes a pair of conductive plugs 1925A, 1925B located onopposite sides of the mouthpiece 1910 and below the flange 1950 andmetal plate 1952. In the depicted implementation, the conductive plugsmay be affixed inside the mouthpiece 1910 of the cartridge 1900 via anadhesive, although in other implementations other methods of attachmentof possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. Inthe depicted implementation, the conductive plugs 1925A, 1925B areoperatively connected to a heater 1920 (see FIG. 21) of the cartridge1900. In various implementations, the conductive plugs may beconstructed of any electrically conductive material, including, forexample, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum,platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductiveceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof. In variousimplementations, the metal plate 1952 may comprise any materialconfigured to be attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagneticmaterials, including, but not limited, to iron, nickel, cobalt, alloyssuch as steel, and/or any combination thereof. In variousimplementations, the conductive plugs 1925A, 1925B may be constructed ofany electrically conductive material, including, for example, but notlimited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver,iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials,and/or any combination thereof.

In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 1900 of FIG. 20Cis configured to be coupled with the cartridge receiving chamber 2012 ofthe inner frame 2015 of FIGS. 20A and 2B, such that magnetic andelectrical connections are created between the cartridge and the controldevice. In particular, FIG. 21 illustrates a partial cross-section viewof the cartridge 1900 coupled with the inner frame 2015 of the controldevice. As illustrated in the figure, when the cartridge 1900 of thedepicted implementation is coupled with the inner frame 2015 of thecontrol device, a magnetic connection is created between the pluralityof magnets 2052A, 2052B, 2052C, 2052D located in the inner frame 2015 ofthe control device and the metal plate 1952 of the cartridge 1900. Inaddition, when the cartridge 1900 of the depicted implementation iscoupled with the inner frame 2015, an electrical connection is createdbetween the pair conductive pins 2020A, 2020B of the inner frame 2015 ofthe control device and the conductive plugs 1925A, 1925B of thecartridge 1900. As such, when the cartridge 1900 is received in theinner frame 2015 of the control device, the heater 1920 of the cartridge1900 may be operatively connected to the battery of the control device.Therefore, when the cartridge 1900 of the depicted implementation iscoupled with the inner frame 2015 of the control device, the cartridge1900 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 2015 ofthe control device such that the electrical connection is maintainedbetween the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 22A illustrates a partial transparent perspective view of an innerframe of a control device according to an example implementation of thepresent disclosure, and FIG. 22B illustrates a partial perspective viewof an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIGS. 22A and22B illustrate a portion of an inner frame 2215 for use with acorresponding control device. In many aspects, the control device mayhave a similar configuration and may include similar components (andsimilar configuration and component variations) as that of the controldevice 200 described above. As such, reference is made to the pertinentdiscussions of these configurations and components (and configurationand component variations), which will not be repeated here.

As shown in the figures, the inner frame 2215 of the depictedimplementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 2212 and an upperflange 2250. The inner frame 2215 of the depicted implementation alsoincludes a plurality of magnets 2252 located proximate the upper flange2250 of the inner frame 2215. In particular, the depicted implementationincludes two pairs of cylindrical magnets 2252A, 2252B, 2252C, 2252D,each pair located on opposite sides of the inner frame 2215 andextending proximate the upper flange 2250 thereof, with each of theplurality of magnets being located inside a corresponding magnetreceiving feature 2253, which, in the depicted implementation, is anextension of the upper flange 2250. Reference is made to the possiblemagnet materials discussed above. Although other methods are possible,the magnets 2252A, 2252B, 2252C, 2252D of the depicted implementationmay be affixed inside the magnet receiving features 2253 via a press-fitand/or adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process.

In addition, the inner frame 2215 of the depicted implementation alsoincludes a pair of conductive pins 2220A, 2220B located in the innerframe 2215 and proximate the upper flange 2250 thereof. In the depictedimplementation, the conductive pins 2220A, 2220B comprise spring-loadedpins (e.g., electrical pogo pins), each of which is biased upward suchthat a portion of the end of the pin extends through the upper flange2250 and is configured to deflect downward against the force of anintegral spring, although in other implementations other types ofconductive elements may be used. In the depicted implementation, ends ofthe conductive pins 2220A, 2220B have a rounded profile, although otherprofiles are possible. In the depicted implementation, the conductivepins 2220A, 2220B may be affixed inside the inner frame 2015 via apress-fit and/or adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process,such that the movable components of the conductive pins are able todeflect upward against the force of the springs. In the depictedimplementation the conductive pins 2220A, 2220B are operativelyconnected to the battery of the control device in order, as will bediscussed below, to provide power to the heater of an insertedcartridge. In various implementations, the conductive pins 2220A, 2220Bmay be constructed of any electrically conductive material, including,for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum,platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductiveceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 22C illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG.22C illustrates a cartridge 2100 that includes a tank 2102 that isdefined by an outer tank wall 2104 that includes a proximal end 2106 anda distal end 2108, which is closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 2100may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (andsimilar configuration and component variations) as that of the cartridge300 described above, which will not be repeated here. As such, referenceis made to the pertinent discussions of these configurations andcomponents (and configuration and component variations).

The cartridge 2100 of the depicted implementation includes a mouthpiece2110 that is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2112 that includes aproximal end 2114 with an exit portal 2115 defined therein, and a distalend 2116 that engages the proximal end 2106 of the tank 2102. In thedepicted implementation, the mouthpiece wall 2112 includes a flange 2150positioned between the proximal end 2114 and the distal end 2116thereof. The cartridge 2100 of the depicted implementation also includesa pair of separate metal plates 2152A, 2152B which comprise part of theflange 2150. In the depicted implementation, the metal plates 2152A,2152B are affixed to the flange 2150 of the mouthpiece 2110 via anadhesive, although in other implementations other methods of attachmentof possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. Inthe depicted implementation, the separate metal plates 2152A, 2152B areoperatively connected to a heater 2120 (see FIG. 23) of the cartridge2100. In various implementations, the metal plates may 2152A, 2152Bcomprise any material configured to be electrically conductive andattracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials,including, but not limited, to iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such assteel, and/or any combination thereof.

In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 2100 of FIG. 22Cis configured to be coupled with the cartridge receiving chamber 2212 ofthe inner frame 2215 of FIGS. 22A and 22B, such that magnetic andelectrical connections are created between the cartridge and the controldevice. In particular, FIG. 23 illustrates a partial cross-section viewof the cartridge 2100 coupled with the inner frame 2215 of the controldevice. As illustrated in the figure, when the cartridge 2100 of thedepicted implementation is coupled with the inner frame 2215 of thecontrol device, a magnetic connection is created between the pluralityof magnets 2252A, 2252B, 2252C, 2252D located in the inner frame 2215 ofthe control device and the metal plates 2152A, 2152B of the cartridge2100. In addition, when the cartridge 2100 of the depictedimplementation is coupled with the inner frame 2215, an electricalconnection is created between the pair conductive pins 2220A, 2220B ofthe inner frame 2215 of the control device and the metal plates 2152A,2152B of the cartridge 2100. As such, when the cartridge 2100 isreceived in the inner frame 2215 of the control device, the heater 2120of the cartridge 2100 may be operatively connected to the battery of thecontrol device. Thus, when the cartridge 2100 of the depictedimplementation is coupled with the inner frame 2215 of the controldevice, the cartridge 2100 is mechanically biased into connection withthe inner frame 2215 of the control device such that the electricalconnection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 24A illustrates a partial perspective view of an inner frame of acontrol device according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure. In particular, FIG. 24A illustrates a portion of an innerframe 2415 for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects,the control device may have a similar configuration and may includesimilar components (and similar configuration and component variations)as that of the control device 200 described above. As such, reference ismade to the pertinent discussions of these configurations and components(and configuration and component variations), which will not be repeatedhere.

As shown in the figures, the inner frame 2415 of the depictedimplementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 2412 and an upperflange 2450. The inner frame 2415 of the depicted implementation alsoincludes a pair of magnets 2452A, 2452B located proximate the upperflange 2450 of the inner frame 2415. In particular, the depictedimplementation includes two cylindrical magnets 2452A, 2452B located onopposite sides of the inner frame 2415 and extending through the upperflange 2450 thereof. Reference is made to the possible magnet materialsdiscussed above. Although other configurations are possible, in thedepicted implementation, the top surfaces of the magnets 2452A, 2452Bare substantially flush with the top surface of the upper flange 2450.In the depicted implementation, each of the magnets is located inside acorresponding magnet receiving feature 2453, which, in the depictedimplementation, is an extension of the upper flange 2450. Although othermethods are possible, the magnets 2452A, 2452B of the depictedimplementation may be affixed inside the magnet receiving features 2453via a press-fit and/or adhesive connection, or via an insert moldingprocess. Although not shown in the figure, in the depictedimplementation the magnets 2452A, 2452B are operatively connected to thebattery of the control device.

FIG. 24B illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG.24B illustrates a cartridge 2300 that includes a tank 2302 that isdefined by an outer tank wall 2304 that includes a proximal end 2306 anda distal end 2308, which is closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 2300may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (andsimilar configuration and component variations) as that of the cartridge300 described above, which will not be repeated here. As such, referenceis made to the pertinent discussions of these configurations andcomponents (and configuration and component variations).

The cartridge 2300 of the depicted implementation includes a mouthpiece2310 that is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2312 that includes aproximal end 2314 with an exit portal 2315 defined therein, and a distalend 2316 that engages the proximal end 2306 of the tank 2302. In thedepicted implementation, the mouthpiece wall 2312 includes a flange 2350positioned between the proximal end 2314 and the distal end 2316thereof. The cartridge 2300 of the depicted implementation also includesa pair of separate metal plates 2352A, 2352B which comprise part of theflange 2350. In the depicted implementation, the metal plates 2352A,2352B are affixed to the flange 2350 of the mouthpiece 230 via anadhesive, although in other implementations other methods of attachmentof possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. Inthe depicted implementation, the separate metal plates 2352A, 2352B areoperatively connected to a heater 2320 (see FIG. 23) of the cartridge2300. In various implementations, the metal plates 2352A, 2352B maycomprise any material configured to be electrically conductive andattracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials,including, but not limited, to iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such assteel, and/or any combination thereof.

In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 2300 of FIG. 24Bis configured to be coupled with the cartridge receiving chamber 2412 ofthe inner frame 2415 of FIG. 24A, such that magnetic and electricalconnections are created between the cartridge and the control device. Inparticular, FIG. 25 illustrates a partial cross-section view of thecartridge 2300 coupled with the inner frame 2415 of the control device.As illustrated in the figure, when the cartridge 2300 of the depictedimplementation is coupled with the inner frame 2415 of the controldevice, a magnetic connection is created between the pair of magnets2452A, 2452B located in the inner frame 2415 of the control device andthe metal plates 2352A, 2352B of the cartridge 2300. In addition, whenthe cartridge 2300 of the depicted implementation is coupled with theinner frame 2415, an electrical connection is created between the pairmagnets 2452A, 2452B of the inner frame 2415 of the control device andthe metal plates 2352A, 2352B of the cartridge 2300. As such, when thecartridge 2300 is received in the inner frame 2415 of the controldevice, the heater 2320 of the cartridge 2300 may be operativelyconnected to the battery of the control device. Therefore, when thecartridge 2300 of the depicted implementation is coupled with the innerframe 2415 of the control device, the cartridge 2300 is mechanicallybiased into connection with the inner frame 2415 of the control devicesuch that the electrical connection is maintained between the cartridgeand the control device.

FIG. 26A illustrates a partial perspective view of an inner frame of acontrol device according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure. In particular, FIG. 26A illustrates a portion of an innerframe 2615 for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects,the control device may have a similar configuration and may includesimilar components (and similar configuration and component variations)as that of the control device 200 described above. As such, reference ismade to the pertinent discussions of these configurations and components(and configuration and component variations), which will not be repeatedhere.

As shown in the figures, the inner frame 2615 of the depictedimplementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 2612 and an upperflange 2650. The inner frame 2615 of the depicted implementation alsoincludes a pair of magnets 2652A, 2652B located proximate the upperflange 2650 of the inner frame 2615. In particular, the depictedimplementation includes two cylindrical magnets 2652A, 2652B located onopposite sides of the inner frame 2615, with each of the magnets 2652A,2652B being located inside a corresponding conductive casing 2620A,2620B, which each magnet/casing (2652A, 2620A, 2652B, 2620B) assemblyextending through the upper flange 2650 thereof. Reference is made tothe possible magnet materials discussed above. In addition, each of theconductive casings 2620A, 2620B and magnets 2652 is located inside of acorresponding receiving feature 2653. Although other methods arepossible, the magnets 2652 of the depicted implementation may be affixedinside the conductive casings 2620A, 2620B via an adhesive and/orpress-fit connection, and the conductive casings 2620A, 2620B (or theconductive casing and magnet assemblies (2620A, 2652A, 2620B, 2652B)) ofthe depicted implementation may be affixed inside the receiving features2653 via a press-fit and/or adhesive connection, or via an insertmolding process. Although not shown in the figure, the conductivecasings 2620A, 2620B are operatively connected to the battery of thecontrol device. In various implementations, the conductive casings2620A, 2620B may be constructed of any electrically conductive material,including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper,aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite,conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 26B illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG.26B illustrates a cartridge 2500 that includes a tank 2502 that isdefined by an outer tank wall 2504 that includes a proximal end 2506 anda distal end 2508, which is closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 2500may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (andsimilar configuration and component variations) as that of the cartridge300 described above, which will not be repeated here. As such, referenceis made to the pertinent discussions of these configurations andcomponents (and configuration and component variations).

The cartridge 2500 of the depicted implementation includes a mouthpiece2510 that is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2512 that includes aproximal end 2514 with an exit portal 2515 defined therein, and a distalend 2516 that engages the proximal end 2506 of the tank 2502. In thedepicted implementation, the mouthpiece wall 2512 includes a flange 2550positioned between the proximal end 2514 and the distal end 2516thereof. The cartridge 2500 of the depicted implementation also includesa pair of separate metal plates 2552A, 2552B which comprise part of theflange 2550. In the depicted implementation, the metal plates 2552A,2552B are affixed to the flange 2550 of the mouthpiece 2510 via anadhesive, although in other implementations other methods of attachmentof possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. Inthe depicted implementation, the separate metal plates 2552A, 2552B areoperatively connected to a heater 2520 (see FIG. 27) of the cartridge2500. In various implementations, the metal plates 2552A, 2552B maycomprise any material configured to be electrically conductive andattracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials,including, but not limited, to iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such assteel, and/or any combination thereof.

In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 2500 of FIG. 26Bis configured to be coupled with the cartridge receiving chamber 2612 ofthe inner frame 2615 of FIG. 26A, such that magnetic and electricalconnections are created between the cartridge and the control device. Inparticular, FIG. 27 illustrates a partial cross-section view of thecartridge 2500 coupled with the inner frame 2615 of the control device.As illustrated in the figure, when the cartridge 2500 of the depictedimplementation is coupled with the inner frame 2615 of the controldevice, a direct magnetic connection is created between the pair ofmagnets 2652 located in the inner frame 2615 of the control device andthe metal plates 2552A, 2552B of the cartridge 2500. In addition, whenthe cartridge 2500 of the depicted implementation is coupled with theinner frame 2615, an electrical connection is created between theconductive casings 2620A, 2620B of the inner frame 2615 of the controldevice and the metal plates 2552A, 2552B of the cartridge 2500. As such,when the cartridge 2500 is received in the inner frame 2615 of thecontrol device, the heater 2520 of the cartridge 2500 may be operativelyconnected to the battery of the control device. Therefore, when thecartridge 2500 of the depicted implementation is coupled with the innerframe 2615 of the control device, the cartridge 2500 is mechanicallybiased into connection with the inner frame 2615 of the control devicesuch that the electrical connection is maintained between the cartridgeand the control device.

FIG. 28A illustrates an exploded partial perspective view of an innerframe of a control device according to an example implementation of thepresent disclosure. In particular, FIG. 268 illustrates a portion of aninner frame 2815 for use with a corresponding control device. In manyaspects, the control device may have a similar configuration and mayinclude similar components (and similar configuration and componentvariations) as that of the control device 200 described above. As such,reference is made to the pertinent discussions of these configurationsand components (and configuration and component variations), which willnot be repeated here.

As shown in the figures, the inner frame 2815 of the depictedimplementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 2812 and an upperflange 2850. The inner frame 2815 of the depicted implementation alsoincludes a pair of magnets 2852A, 2852B located proximate the upperflange 2850 of the inner frame 2615. In particular, the depictedimplementation includes two cylindrical magnets 2852A, 2852B located onopposite sides of the inner frame 2815, with respective top an sidesurfaces of each magnet 2852A, 2852B being substantially surrounded by acorresponding conductive casing 2820A, 2820B, which each magnet/casing(2852A, 2820A, 2852B, 2820B) assembly extending through the upper flange2850 thereof. Reference is made to the possible magnet materialsdiscussed above. Although other configurations are possible, in thedepicted implementation, the top surfaces of the conductive casings2820A, 2820B are substantially flush with the top surface of the upperflange 2850. In addition, each of the conductive casings 2820 andmagnets 2852 is located inside of a corresponding receiving feature2853, which in the depicted implementation is an extension of theflange. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 2852A, 2852B ofthe depicted implementation may be affixed inside the conductive casings2820A, 2820B via an adhesive and/or press-fit connection, and theconductive casings 2820A, 2820B (or the conductive casing and magnetassemblies (2820, 2852)) of the depicted implementation may be affixedinside the receiving features 2853 via a press-fit and/or adhesiveconnection, or via an insert molding process. Although not shown in thefigure, the conductive casings 2820A, 2820B are operatively connected tothe battery of the control device. In various implementations, theconductive casings 2820A, 2820B may be constructed of any electricallyconductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper,beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass,bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 28B illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG.28B illustrates a cartridge 2700 that includes a tank 2702 that isdefined by an outer tank wall 2704 that includes a proximal end 2706 anda distal end 2708, which is closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 2700may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (andsimilar configuration and component variations) as that of the cartridge300 described above, which will not be repeated here. As such, referenceis made to the pertinent discussions of these configurations andcomponents (and configuration and component variations).

The cartridge 2700 of the depicted implementation includes a mouthpiece2710 that is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2712 that includes aproximal end 2714 with an exit portal 2715 defined therein, and a distalend 2716 that engages the proximal end 2706 of the tank 2702. In thedepicted implementation, the mouthpiece wall 2712 includes a flange 2750positioned between the proximal end 2714 and the distal end 2716thereof. The cartridge 2700 of the depicted implementation also includesa pair of separate metal plates 2752A, 2752B which comprise part of theflange 2750. In the depicted implementation, the metal plates 2752A,2752B are affixed to the flange 2750 of the mouthpiece 2710 via anadhesive, although in other implementations other methods of attachmentof possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. Inthe depicted implementation, the separate metal plates 2752A, 2752B areoperatively connected to a heater 2720 (see FIG. 29) of the cartridge2700. In various implementations, the metal plates 2752A, 2752B maycomprise any material configured to be electrically conductive andattracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials,including, but not limited, to iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such assteel, and/or any combination thereof.

In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 2700 of FIG. 28Bis configured to be coupled with the cartridge receiving chamber 2812 ofthe inner frame 2813 of FIG. 28A, such that magnetic and electricalconnections are created between the cartridge and the control device. Inparticular, FIG. 29 illustrates a partial cross-section view of thecartridge 2700 coupled with the inner frame 2815 of the control device.As illustrated in the figure, when the cartridge 2700 of the depictedimplementation is coupled with the inner frame 2813 of the controldevice, a magnetic connection is created between the pair of magnets2852A, 2852B located in the inner frame 2815 of the control device andthe metal plates 2752A, 2752B of the cartridge 2700. In addition, whenthe cartridge 2700 of the depicted implementation is coupled with theinner frame 2815, an electrical connection is created between theconductive casings 2820A, 2820B of the inner frame 2815 of the controldevice and the metal plates 2752A, 2752B of the cartridge 2700. As such,when the cartridge 2700 is received in the inner frame 2815 of thecontrol device, the heater 2720 of the cartridge 2700 may be operativelyconnected to the battery of the control device. Therefore, when thecartridge 2700 of the depicted implementation is coupled with the innerframe 2815 of the control device, the cartridge 2700 is mechanicallybiased into connection with the inner frame 2815 of the control devicesuch that the electrical connection is maintained between the cartridgeand the control device.

FIG. 30A illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of an innerframe of a control device according to an example implementation of thepresent disclosure. In particular, FIG. 31 illustrates a portion of aninner frame 3015 for use with a corresponding control device. In manyaspects, the control device may have a similar configuration and mayinclude similar components (and similar configuration and componentvariations) as that of the control device 200 described above. As such,reference is made to the pertinent discussions of these configurationsand components (and configuration and component variations), which willnot be repeated here.

As shown in the figures, the inner frame 3015 of the depictedimplementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 3012 and a flange3050 defined at an upper end thereof. The inner frame 3015 of thedepicted implementation also includes a plurality of magnets 3052located proximate the upper flange 3050 of the inner frame 3015. In thedepicted implementation, there are four individual magnets 3052A, 3052B,3052C, 3052D, each of which has a substantially block-like orrectangular prismatic shape, although in other implementation more orless individual magnets may be used and the magnets may have differentshapes and/or sizes. Reference is made to the possible magnet materialsdiscussed above. In the depicted implementation, the magnets 3052A,3052B, 3052C, 3052D are approximately equally spaced around the outsideof the inner frame 3015 and below the upper flange 3050 thereof. Each ofthe plurality of magnets is located inside a corresponding magnetreceiving feature 3053, which, in the depicted implementation, is anextension of the upper flange 3050. Although other methods are possible,the magnets 3052A, 3052B, 3052C, 3052D of the depicted implementationmay be affixed inside the respective magnet receiving features 3053 viaa press-fit and/or adhesive connection, or via an insert moldingprocess.

In addition, the inner frame 3015 of the depicted implementation alsoincludes a pair of metal plates 3020A, 3020B located in the upper flange3050 of the inner frame 3015, which are exposed through openings in theupper flange 3050. Although other configurations are possible, in thedepicted implementation, the metal plates have a curved shape configuredto match a portion of the upper flange 3050, and the top surfaces of themagnets 3020A, 3020B are substantially flush with the top surface of theupper flange 3050. In the depicted implementation, the metal plates3020A, 3020B are operatively connected to the battery of the controldevice in order, as will be discussed below, to provide power to theheater of an inserted cartridge. In various implementations, the metalplates 3020A, 3020B may be constructed of any electrically conductivematerial, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, berylliumcopper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze,graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 30B illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure, and FIG. 30Cillustrates a bottom view of a cartridge according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIGS. 30B and30C illustrate a cartridge 2900 that includes a tank 2902 that isdefined by an outer tank wall 2904 that includes a proximal end 2906 anda distal end 2908, which is closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 2900may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (andsimilar configuration and component variations) as that of the cartridge300 described above, which will not be repeated here. As such, referenceis made to the pertinent discussions of these configurations andcomponents (and configuration and component variations).

The cartridge 2900 of the depicted implementation includes a mouthpiece2910 that is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2912 that includes aproximal end 2914 with an exit portal defined therein, and a distal end2916 that engages the proximal end 2906 of the tank 2902. In thedepicted implementation, the mouthpiece wall 2912 includes a flange 2950positioned between the proximal end 2914 and the distal end 2916thereof. The cartridge 2900 of the depicted implementation also includestwo pairs of metal plates. In particular, the cartridge 2900 includes apair of short metal plates 2925A, 2925B, which extend around oppositecorners of the flange 2950 of cartridge 2900, and a pair of long metalplates 2952A, 2952B, which extend around the other opposite corners ofthe flange 2950 and terminate proximate the ends of the pair of shortmetal plates 2925A, 2925B. In the depicted implementation, each of thefirst pair of metal plates 2925A, 2925B has a curved shape configured tomatch a portion of the flange 2950, and each of the second pair of metalplates 2952A, 2952B has a curved shape configured to match anotherportion of the flange 2950. In the depicted implementation, the firstand second pairs of metal plates 2925A, 2925B, 2952A, 2952B are affixedto the bottom of the flange 2950 of the mouthpiece 2910 via an adhesive,although in other implementations other methods of attachment ofpossible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. In thedepicted implementation, the first pair of metal plates 2925A, 2925B areoperatively connected to a heater 2920 (see FIG. 31) of the cartridge2900. In various implementations, the short metal plates 3020A, 3020Bmay be constructed of any electrically conductive material, including,for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum,platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductiveceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof. In variousimplementations, the long metal plates 2952A, 2952B may comprise anymaterial configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as variousferromagnetic materials, including, but not limited, to iron, nickel,cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or any combination thereof.

In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 2900 of FIGS. 30Band 30C is configured to be coupled with the cartridge receiving chamber3012 of the inner frame 3015 of FIG. 30A, such that magnetic andelectrical connections are created between the cartridge and the controldevice. In particular, FIG. 30A illustrates a partial cross-section viewof the cartridge 2900 coupled with the inner frame 3015 of the controldevice. As illustrated in the figure, when the cartridge 2900 of thedepicted implementation is coupled with the inner frame 3015 of thecontrol device, a magnetic connection is created between the pluralityof magnets 3052A, 3052B, 3052C, and 3052D located in the inner frame3015 of the control device and the second pair of metal plates 2952A,and 2952B of the cartridge 2900. In addition, when the cartridge 2900 ofthe depicted implementation is coupled with the inner frame 3015, anelectrical connection is created between the pair metal plates 3020A,3020B of the inner frame 3015 of the control device and the first pairof metal plates 2925A, 2925B of the cartridge 2900. As such, when thecartridge 2900 is received in the inner frame 3015 of the controldevice, the heater 2920 of the cartridge 2900 may be operativelyconnected to the battery of the control device. As such, when thecartridge 2900 of the depicted implementation is coupled with the innerframe 3015 of the control device, the cartridge 2900 is mechanicallybiased into connection with the inner frame 3015 of the control devicesuch that the electrical connection is maintained between the cartridgeand the control device.

FIG. 32A illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of an innerframe of a control device according to an example implementation of thepresent disclosure. In particular, FIG. 32A illustrates a portion of aninner frame 3215 for use with a corresponding control device. In manyaspects, the control device may have a similar configuration and mayinclude similar components (and similar configuration and componentvariations) as that of the control device 200 described above. As such,reference is made to the pertinent discussions of these configurationsand components (and configuration and component variations), which willnot be repeated here.

As shown in the figures, the inner frame 3215 of the depictedimplementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 3212 and a flange3250 defined at an upper end thereof. The inner frame 3215 of thedepicted implementation also includes a plurality of magnets 3252located proximate the upper flange 3250 of the inner frame 3015. In thedepicted implementation, there are four individual magnets 3252A, 3252B,3252C, 3252D, each of which has a substantially block-like orrectangular prismatic shape, although in other implementation more orless individual magnets may be used and the magnets may have differentshapes and/or sizes. Reference is made to the possible magnet materialsdiscussed above. In the depicted implementation, the magnets 3252A,3252B, 3252C, 3252D are approximately equally spaced around the outsideof the inner frame 3215 and below the upper flange 3250 thereof. Each ofthe plurality of magnets is located inside a corresponding magnetreceiving feature 3253, which, in the depicted implementation, is anextension of the upper flange 3250. Although other methods are possible,the magnets 3252A, 3252B, 3252C, 3252D of the depicted implementationmay be affixed inside the respective magnet receiving features 3253 viaa press-fit and/or adhesive connection, or via an insert moldingprocess.

In addition, the inner frame 3215 of the depicted implementation alsoincludes a pair of metal plates 3220A, 3220B located on opposite cornersof the upper flange 3250 of the inner frame 3215, and which are exposedthrough openings in the upper flange 3250. Although other configurationsare possible, in the depicted implementation, the metal plates have acurved shape configured to match a portion of the upper flange 3250, andthe top surfaces of the magnets 3220A, 3220B are substantially flushwith the top surface of the upper flange 3050. In the depictedimplementation, the metal plates 3020A, 3020B are operatively connectedto the battery of the control device in order, as will be discussedbelow, to provide power to the heater of an inserted cartridge. Invarious implementations, the metal plates 3220A, 3220B may beconstructed of any electrically conductive material, including, forexample, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum,platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductiveceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 32B illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to anexample implementation of the present disclosure, and FIG. 32Cillustrates a bottom view of a cartridge according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIGS. 32B and32C illustrate a cartridge 3100 that includes a tank 3102 that isdefined by an outer tank wall 3104 that includes a proximal end 3106 anda distal end 3108, which is closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 3100may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (andsimilar configuration and component variations) as that of the cartridge300 described above, which will not be repeated here. As such, referenceis made to the pertinent discussions of these configurations andcomponents (and configuration and component variations).

The cartridge 3100 of the depicted implementation includes a mouthpiece3110 that is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 3112 that includes aproximal end 3114 with an exit portal defined therein, and a distal end3116 that engages the proximal end 3106 of the tank 3102. In thedepicted implementation, the mouthpiece wall 3112 includes a flange 3150positioned between the proximal end 3114 and the distal end 3116thereof. The cartridge 3100 of the depicted implementation also includesa pair of separate metal plates. In particular, the cartridge 3100includes a pair of metal plates 3152A, 3152B, which are located onopposite sides of cartridge 3100. In the depicted implementation, eachof the metal plates 3152A, 3152B has a curved shape configured to matcha portion of the flange 3150. In particular, each plate 3152A, 3152Bbegins proximate a first corner of the flange 3150 extends around thatcorner and a second corner of the flange 3150 and ends proximate thecorner of the flange opposite the first corner. In the depictedimplementation, the metal plates 3152A, 3152B are affixed to the bottomof the flange 3150 of the mouthpiece 3110 via an adhesive, although inother implementations other methods of attachment of possible,including, for example, via an insert molding process. In the depictedimplementation, the metal plates 3152A, 3152B are operatively connectedto a heater 3120 (see FIG. 33) of the cartridge 3100. In variousimplementations, the metal plates 3152A, 3152B may comprise any materialconfigured to be electrically conductive and attracted by a magnet, suchas various ferromagnetic materials, including, but not limited, to iron,nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/or combinations thereof.

In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 3100 of FIGS. 32Band 32C is configured to be coupled with the cartridge receiving chamber3212 of the inner frame 3215 of FIG. 32A, such that magnetic andelectrical connections are created between the cartridge and the controldevice. In particular, FIG. 33 illustrates a partial cross-section viewof the cartridge 3100 coupled with the inner frame 3215 of the controldevice. As illustrated in the figure, when the cartridge 3100 of thedepicted implementation is coupled with the inner frame 3215 of thecontrol device, a magnetic connection is created between the pluralityof magnets 3252A, 3252B, 3252C, and 3252D located in the inner frame3215 of the control device and the metal plates 3152A, 3152B of thecartridge 3100. In addition, when the cartridge 3100 of the depictedimplementation is coupled with the inner frame 3215, an electricalconnection is created between the metal plates 3220A, 3220B of the innerframe 3215 of the control device and the metal plates 3152A, 3152B ofthe cartridge 3100. As such, when the cartridge 3100 is coupled with theinner frame 3215 of the control device, the heater 3120 of the cartridge3100 may be operatively connected to the battery of the control device.As such, when the cartridge 3100 of the depicted implementation iscoupled with the inner frame 3215 of the control device, the cartridge3100 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 3215 ofthe control device such that the electrical connection is maintainedbetween the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 34 illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of an innerframe of a control device according to an example implementation of thepresent disclosure. In particular, FIG. 34 illustrates a portion of aninner frame 3415 for use with a corresponding control device. In manyaspects, the control device may have a similar configuration and mayinclude similar components (and similar configuration and componentvariations) as that of the control device 200 described above. As such,reference is made to the pertinent discussions of these configurationsand components (and configuration and component variations), which willnot be repeated here.

As shown in the figures, the inner frame 3415 of the depictedimplementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 3412 and a flange3450 defined at an upper end thereof. The inner frame 3415 of thedepicted implementation also includes a pair of magnets 3452A, 3452B onopposite sides of the flange 3450. In the depicted implementation, eachof the magnets 3452A, 3452B has a substantially block-like orrectangular prismatic shape. Reference is made to the possible magnetmaterials discussed above. In other implementations, more or lessmagnets may be used and the magnets may have different shapes and/orsizes. In the depicted implementation, each of the magnets 3452A, 3452Bis located below the top surface of the flange 3450 and inside ofrespective magnet receiving feature 3453, which, in the depictedimplementation, is an extension of the upper flange 3450. Although othermethods are possible, the magnets 3452A, 3252B of the depictedimplementation may be affixed inside the respective magnet receivingfeatures 3453 via a press-fit and/or adhesive connection, or via aninsert molding process.

In addition, the inner frame 3415 of the depicted implementation alsoincludes a pair of metal plates 3420A, 3420B located on opposite sidesof the upper flange 3450 of the inner frame 3215, and which are exposedthrough openings in the upper flange 3450. In the depictedimplementation, each of the metal plates 3420A, 3420B is located insideof respective receiving feature 3455, which, in the depictedimplementation, comprises part of the upper flange 3450. Although otherconfigurations are possible, in the depicted implementation, the metalplates have a substantially block-like or rectangular prismatic shape,and the top surfaces of the metal plates 3420A, 3420B are substantiallyflush with the top surface of the upper flange 3450. In the depictedimplementation, the metal plates 3420A, 3420B are operatively connectedto the battery of the control device in order, as will be discussedbelow, to provide power to the heater of an inserted cartridge. Invarious implementations, the metal plates 3420A, 3420B may beconstructed of any electrically conductive material, including, forexample, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum,platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductiveceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 35A illustrates a partial perspective view of a cartridge coupledwith an inner frame of a control device according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure, and FIG. 35B illustrates apartial transparent perspective view of a cartridge coupled with aninner frame of a control device according to an example implementationof the present disclosure. In particular, FIGS. 35A and 35B illustrate acartridge 3300 that includes a tank (not visible) that is defined by anouter tank wall that includes a proximal end and a distal end, which isclosed. In many aspects, the cartridge 3300 may have a similarconfiguration and may include similar components (and similarconfiguration and component variations) as that of the cartridge 300described above, which will not be repeated here. As such, reference ismade to the pertinent discussions of these configurations and components(and configuration and component variations).

The cartridge 3300 of the depicted implementation includes a mouthpiece3310 that is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 3312 that includes aproximal end 3314 with an exit portal 3315 defined therein, and a distalend (not visible) that engages the proximal end of the tank. In thedepicted implementation, the mouthpiece wall 3312 includes a flange 3350positioned between the proximal end 3314 and the distal end thereof. Thecartridge 3300 of the depicted implementation also includes a pair ofmetal plates. In particular, the cartridge 3300 includes metal plates3352A, 3352B, which extend around respective adjacent sides of theflange 3350 of the cartridge such that they extend around on set ofopposite corners of the flange 3350 but do not extend around the otherset of opposite corners of the flange 3350. In the depictedimplementation, each of the metal plates 3352A, 3352B has a curvedJ-shape configured to match a portion of the flange 3350 as describedabove, and to operatively connect to a heater 3320 of the cartridge3300. In the depicted implementation, the metal plates 3352A, 3352B areaffixed to the bottom of the flange 3350 of the mouthpiece 3310 via anadhesive, although in other implementations other methods of attachmentof possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. Invarious implementations, the metal plates 3352A, 3352B may comprise anymaterial configured to be electrically conductive and attracted by amagnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, but notlimited, to iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and/orcombinations thereof.

In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 3300 isconfigured to be coupled with the cartridge receiving chamber 3412 ofthe inner frame 3415, such that magnetic and electrical connections arecreated between the cartridge and the control device. In particular,FIGS. 35A and 35B illustrate a partial perspective views of thecartridge 3300 coupled with the inner frame 3415 of the control device.As illustrated in the figures, when the cartridge 3300 of the depictedimplementation is coupled with the inner frame 3415 of the controldevice, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets 3452A,3452B located in the inner frame 3415 of the control device and themetal plates 3352A, 3352B of the cartridge 3300. In addition, when thecartridge 3300 of the depicted implementation is coupled with the innerframe 3415, an electrical connection is created between the metal plates3420A, 3420B of the inner frame 3415 of the control device and the metalplates 3352A, 3352B of the cartridge 3300. As such, when the cartridge3300 is coupled with the inner frame 3415 of the control device, theheater 3320 of the cartridge 3300 may be operatively connected to thebattery of the control device. As such, when the cartridge 3300 of thedepicted implementation is coupled with the inner frame 3415 of thecontrol device, the cartridge 3300 is mechanically biased intoconnection with the inner frame 3415 of the control device such that theelectrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and thecontrol device.

FIG. 36A illustrates a partial perspective view of an inner frame of acontrol device according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure. In particular, FIG. 36A illustrates a portion of an innerframe 3615 for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects,the control device may have a similar configuration and may includesimilar components (and similar configuration and component variations)as that of the control device 200 described above. As such, reference ismade to the pertinent discussions of these configurations and components(and configuration and component variations), which will not be repeatedhere.

As shown in the figures, the inner frame 3615 of the depictedimplementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 3612 and a flange3650 defined at an upper end thereof. The inner frame 3615 of thedepicted implementation also includes a pair of magnets 3652A, 3652B onopposite sides of the flange 3650. In the depicted implementation, eachof the magnets 3652A, 3652B has a substantially block-like orrectangular prismatic shape. Reference is made to the possible magnetmaterials discussed above. In other implementations, more or lessmagnets may be used and the magnets may have different shapes and/orsizes. In the depicted implementation, each of the magnets 3652A, 3652Bis located below the top surface of the flange 3650 and inside ofrespective magnet receiving feature 3653, which, in the depictedimplementation, is an extension of the upper flange 3650. Although othermethods are possible, the magnets 3652A, 3652B of the depictedimplementation may be affixed inside the respective magnet receivingfeatures 3653 via a press-fit and/or adhesive connection, or via aninsert molding process.

In addition, the inner frame 3615 of the depicted implementation alsoincludes a pair of metal plates 3620A, 3620B located on opposite sidesof the upper flange 3650 of the inner frame 3615. In the depictedimplementation, each of the metal plates 3620A, 3620B is located belowthe top surface of the flange 3650 and inside of respective receivingfeature 3655, which, in the depicted implementation, comprises part ofthe upper flange 3650. Although other configurations are possible, inthe depicted implementation, the metal plates have a substantiallyblock-like or rectangular prismatic shape. In the depictedimplementation, the metal plates 3620A, 3620B are operatively connectedto the battery of the control device in order, as will be discussedbelow, to provide power to the heater of an inserted cartridge. Invarious implementations, the metal plates 3620A, 3620B may beconstructed of any electrically conductive material, including, forexample, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum,platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductiveceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 36B illustrates a partial transparent perspective view of acartridge coupled with an inner frame of a control device according toan example implementation of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG.36B illustrates a cartridge 3500 that includes a tank 3502 that isdefined by an outer tank wall 3504 that includes a proximal end 3506 anda distal end 3508, which is closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 3500may have a similar configuration and may include similar components (andsimilar configuration and component variations) as that of the cartridge300 described above, which will not be repeated here. As such, referenceis made to the pertinent discussions of these configurations andcomponents (and configuration and component variations).

The cartridge 3500 of the depicted implementation includes a mouthpiece3510 that is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 3512 that includes aproximal end 3514 with an exit portal 3515 defined therein, and a distalend 3516 that engages the proximal end 3506 of the tank 3502. In thedepicted implementation, the mouthpiece wall 3512 includes a flange 3550positioned between the proximal end 3514 and the distal end 3516thereof. The cartridge 3500 of the depicted implementation also includesa metal plate 3552, which is disposed below the flange 3550. In thedepicted implementation, the metal plate 3552 is affixed to the bottomof the flange 3550 of the mouthpiece 3510 via an adhesive, although inother implementations other methods of attachment of possible,including, for example, via an insert molding process, a press-fitconnection, a heat staking connection, etc. The cartridge 3500 alsoincludes a pair of conductive springs 3525A, 3525B located on oppositesides of the mouthpiece 3510. In the depicted implementation, each ofthe conductive springs includes a contact surface 3565A, 3565B that isexposed through a respective opening in the mouthpiece 3510 below theflange 3550. In the depicted implementation, the conductive springs3525A, 3525B may be affixed inside the mouthpiece 3510 of the cartridge3500 via an adhesive, although in other implementations other methods ofattachment of possible, including, for example, via an insert moldingprocess. In the depicted implementation, the conductive springs 3525A,3525B are operatively connected to a heater 3520 (see FIG. 37) of thecartridge 3500. In various implementations, the conductive springs3525A, 3525B may be constructed of any electrically conductive material,including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper,aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite,conductive ceramic materials, and/or any combination thereof. In variousimplementations, the metal plate 3552 may comprise any materialconfigured to be attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagneticmaterials, including, but not limited, to iron, nickel, cobalt, andalloys such as steel.

In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 3500 isconfigured to be coupled with the cartridge receiving chamber 3612 ofthe inner frame 3615, such that magnetic and electrical connections arecreated between the cartridge and the control device. In particular,FIG. 37 illustrates a partial cross-section view of the cartridge 3500coupled with the inner frame 3615 of a control device. As illustrated inthe figures, when the cartridge 3500 of the depicted implementation iscoupled with the inner frame 3615 of the control device, a magneticconnection is created between the magnets 3652A, 3652B located in theinner frame 3615 of the control device and the metal plate 3552 of thecartridge 3500. In addition, when the cartridge 3500 of the depictedimplementation is coupled with the inner frame 3615, an electricalconnection is created between the metal plates 3620A, 3620B of the innerframe 3615 of the control device and the conductive springs 3525A, 3525Bof the cartridge 3500. As such, when the cartridge 3500 is coupled withthe inner frame 3615 of the control device, the heater 3520 of thecartridge 3500 may be operatively connected to the battery of thecontrol device. As such, when the cartridge 3500 of the depictedimplementation is coupled with the inner frame 3615 of the controldevice, the cartridge 3500 is mechanically biased into connection withthe inner frame 3615 of the control device such that the electricalconnection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

FIG. 38A illustrates a partial transparent perspective view of an innerframe of a control device according to an example implementation of thepresent disclosure. In particular, FIG. 38A illustrates a portion of aninner frame 3815 for use with a corresponding control device. In manyaspects, the control device may have a similar configuration and mayinclude similar components (and similar configuration and componentvariations) as that of the control device 200 described above. As such,reference is made to the pertinent discussions of these configurationsand components (and configuration and component variations), which willnot be repeated here.

As shown in the figures, the inner frame 3815 of the depictedimplementation includes a cartridge receiving chamber 3812 and an upperflange 3850. The inner frame 3815 of the depicted implementation alsoincludes a plurality of magnets 3852 located proximate the upper flange3850 of the inner frame 3815. In particular, the depicted implementationincludes two pairs of cylindrical magnets 3852A, 3852B, 3852C, 3852D,each pair located on opposite sides of the inner frame 3815 andextending proximate the upper flange 3850 thereof, with each of theplurality of magnets being located inside a corresponding magnetreceiving feature 3853, which, in the depicted implementation, is anextension of the upper flange 3850. Reference is made to the possiblemagnet materials discussed above. Although other methods are possible,the magnets 3852 of the depicted implementation may be affixed insidethe magnet receiving features 3853 via a press-fit and/or adhesiveconnection, or via an insert molding process.

In addition, the inner frame 3815 of the depicted implementation alsoincludes a pair of conductive pins 3820A, 3820B located in the innerframe 3815 and proximate the upper flange 3850 thereof. In the depictedimplementation, the conductive pins 3820A, 3820B comprise cylindricalmetal pins located on opposite sides of the inner frame 3815 and whichextend through the upper flange 3850. Although other configurations arepossible, in the depicted implementation, the top surfaces of the metalpins 3820A, 3820B extend above (e.g., extend slightly above) the topsurface of the upper flange 3850. In the depicted implementation theconductive pins 3820A, 3820B are operatively connected to the battery ofthe control device in order, as will be discussed below, to providepower to the heater of an inserted cartridge. In variousimplementations, the conductive pins 3820A, 3820B may be constructed ofany electrically conductive material, including, for example, but notlimited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver,iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials,and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 38B illustrates a partial perspective view of a cartridge accordingto an example implementation of the present disclosure. In particular,FIG. 38B illustrates a cartridge 3700 that includes a tank 3702 that isdefined by an outer tank wall 3704 that includes a proximal end 3706 anda distal end (not visible), which is closed. In many aspects, thecartridge 3700 may have a similar configuration and may include similarcomponents (and similar configuration and component variations) as thatof the cartridge 300 described above, which will not be repeated here.As such, reference is made to the pertinent discussions of theseconfigurations and components (and configuration and componentvariations).

The cartridge 3700 of the depicted implementation includes a mouthpiece3710 that is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 3712 that includes aproximal end 3714 with an exit portal (not visible) defined therein, anda distal end 3716 that engages the proximal end 3706 of the tank 3702.In the depicted implementation, the mouthpiece wall 3712 includes aflange 3750 positioned between the proximal end 3714 and the distal end3716 thereof. The cartridge 3700 of the depicted implementation alsoincludes a pair of separate metal plates 3752A, 3752B which comprisepart of the flange 3750. In the depicted implementation, each of themetal plates 3752A, 3752B includes an integrated spring contact 3765A,3765B that extends below the flange 3750. In the depictedimplementation, the metal plates 3752A, 3752B are affixed to the flange3750 of the mouthpiece 3710 via an adhesive, although in otherimplementations other methods of attachment of possible, including, forexample, via an insert molding process, a press-fit connection, a heatstaking connection, etc. In the depicted implementation, the separatemetal plates 3752A, 3752B are operatively connected to a heater 3720(see FIG. 39) of the cartridge 3700. In various implementations, themetal plates 3752A, 3752B may comprise any material configured to beelectrically conductive and attracted by a magnet, such as variousferromagnetic materials, including, but not limited, to iron, nickel,cobalt, and alloys such as steel. In some implementations, one or bothof the metal plates may be constructed of a bi-metal material, such as abi-metal plate, in which one or more portions of the plate that areconfigured to contact the conductive pins comprise an electricallyconductive spring material, and one or more portions of the plate thatare configured to contact the magnets comprise a different material thatsuitable for attraction to a magnet.

In various implementations, a portion of the cartridge 3700 of FIG. 38Bis configured to be coupled with the cartridge receiving chamber 3812 ofthe inner frame 3815 of FIG. 38A, such that magnetic and electricalconnections are created between the cartridge and the control device. Inparticular, FIG. 39 illustrates a partial cross-section view of thecartridge 3700 coupled with the inner frame 3815 of the control device.As illustrated in the figure, when the cartridge 3700 of the depictedimplementation is coupled with the inner frame 3815 of the controldevice, a magnetic connection is created between the plurality ofmagnets 3852A, 3852B, 3852C, 3852D located in the inner frame 3815 ofthe control device and the metal plates 3752A, 3752B of the cartridge3700. In addition, when the cartridge 3700 of the depictedimplementation is coupled with the inner frame 3815, an electricalconnection is created between the pair conductive pins 3820A, 3820B ofthe inner frame 3815 of the control device and the integrated springcontacts 3765A, 3765B of the cartridge 3700. As such, when the cartridge3700 is received in the inner frame 3815 of the control device, theheater 3720 of the cartridge 3700 may be operatively connected to thebattery of the control device. Therefore, when the cartridge 3700 of thedepicted implementation is coupled with the inner frame 3815 of thecontrol device, the cartridge 3700 is mechanically biased intoconnection with the inner frame 3815 of the control device such that theelectrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and thecontrol device.

It should be noted that in various implementations, some components ofthe either the control device, the cartridge, or both the control deviceand the cartridge may be substituted with other components with similarfunction but different structure. For example, several of theimplementations above describe the use of spring-loaded pins (e.g.,electrical pogo pins) in an inner frame of a control device, wherein thespring-loaded pins are connected to the battery of the control device.In various alternate implementations, one or both of the electrical pogopins used in those implementations may be replaced with metal platesthat include formed contact surfaces. An example of such animplementation is shown in FIG. 40, which illustrates a partialcross-section view of a cartridge coupled with an inner frame of acontrol device according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure. In particular, FIG. 40 illustrates a cartridge 3900 coupledwith the inner frame 4015 of a control device. In the depictedimplementation, spring-loaded electrical pins have been replaced withmetal plates 4020 that include rounded deflecting contact areas 4065,which are configured to engage electrical contacts of the cartridge. Invarious implementations, the metal plate 4020 may be constructed of anyelectrically conductive material, including, for example, but notlimited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver,iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials,and/or any combination thereof. Thus, as illustrated in the figure, whenthe cartridge 3900 of the depicted implementation is coupled with theinner frame 4015 of the control device, a magnetic connection is createdbetween magnets of the control device and the metal plate 3952 of thecartridge 3900, and an electrical connection is created between thecontact areas 4065 of the metal plates 4020 of the inner frame 4015 ofthe control device and electrical contacts 3925 of the cartridge 3900that are connected to a heater 3920. As such, when the cartridge 3900 iscoupled with the inner frame 4015 of the control device, the heater 3920of the cartridge 3900 may be operatively connected to the battery of thecontrol device.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come tomind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains havingthe benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions andthe associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that thedisclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosedherein and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to beincluded within the scope of the appended claims. Although specificterms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptivesense only and not for purposes of limitation.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: acontrol device that includes an outer housing defining an outer wall andhaving a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the controldevice defining a cartridge receiving chamber; and a cartridge thatincludes a mouthpiece portion and a tank, the mouthpiece portion havinga proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the mouthpieceportion having an exit portal defined therethrough, the tank furtherdefining a proximal end and a closed distal end and being configured tocontain a liquid composition, wherein the cartridge and the controldevice each include at least one connector configured to provide amagnetic and an electrical connection between the cartridge and thecontrol device such that the cartridge can be removably and operativelyreceived into the cartridge receiving chamber of the control device,wherein the distal end of the mouthpiece portion is located proximatethe proximal end of the tank, and wherein the at least one connector ofthe cartridge is located on the mouthpiece portion.
 2. The aerosoldelivery device of claim 1, wherein the control device furthercomprises: an inner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber,wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange; a plurality of magnetsspaced around the upper flange of the inner frame; and a pair ofspring-loaded conductive pins located on the inner frame and below theupper flange thereof, wherein the cartridge further comprises: a flangelocated between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion;a metal plate located below the flange; and a pair of conductive plugs,wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receivingchamber, the magnetic connection is created between the magnets of theinner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge,and the electrical connection is created between the conductive pins ofthe inner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of thecartridge.
 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein thecontrol device further comprises: an inner frame that defines thecartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upperportion; at least one attachment element located in the upper surface ofthe inner frame; and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins located onthe inner frame, wherein the cartridge further comprises: a flangelocated between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion;at least one attachment element located in the flange of the cartridge;and a pair of conductive plugs, wherein when the cartridge is receivedinto the cartridge receiving chamber, the magnetic connection is createdbetween the at least one attachment element of the control device andthe at least one attachment element of the cartridge, and the electricalconnection is created between the conductive pins of the inner frame ofthe control device and the conductive plugs of the cartridge.
 4. Theaerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control device furthercomprises: an inner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber,wherein the inner frame includes an upper portion; a pair of separatemagnets that comprise a portion of the upper portion of the inner frame;wherein the cartridge further comprises: a flange located between theproximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; a pair of metalplates, the metal plates comprising a portion of the flange of thecartridge, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridgereceiving chamber, both the magnetic connection and the electricalconnection are created between the pair of separate magnets of the innerframe of the control device and the pair of separate metal plates of thecartridge.
 5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein thecontrol device further comprises: an inner frame that defines thecartridge receiving chamber; a plurality of magnet spheres located inthe inner frame; and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins located onthe inner frame, wherein the cartridge further comprises: a pair ofmetal plates, each metal plate including receiving detents on oppositeends thereof, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridgereceiving chamber, the magnetic connection is created between the magnetspheres of the inner frame of the control device and the receivingdetents of the metal plates of the cartridge, and the electricalconnection is created between the conductive pins of the inner frame ofthe control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.
 6. The aerosoldelivery device of claim 1, wherein the control device furthercomprises: an inner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber;a pair of angled magnets located in the inner frame; and a pair ofspring-loaded conductive pins located in the inner frame and below thepair of angled magnets, wherein the cartridge further comprises: aflange located between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpieceportion; a pair of pointed sliding metal plates located in the flange;and a pair of conductive plugs, wherein when the cartridge is receivedinto the cartridge receiving chamber, the magnetic connection is createdbetween the angled magnets of the inner frame of the control device andthe pointed sliding metal plates of the cartridge, and the electricalconnection is created between the conductive pins of the inner frame ofthe control device and the conductive plugs of the cartridge.
 7. Theaerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control device furthercomprises: an inner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber,wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange; a plurality ofcylindrical magnets that extend into the upper flange of the innerframe; and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins located on the innerframe and below the upper flange thereof, wherein the cartridge furthercomprises: a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of themouthpiece portion; a metal plate located below the flange; and a pairof conductive plugs, wherein when the cartridge is received into thecartridge receiving chamber, the magnetic connection is created betweenthe magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plateof the cartridge, and the electrical connection is created between theconductive pins of the inner frame of the control device and theconductive plugs of the cartridge.
 8. The aerosol delivery device ofclaim 1, wherein the control device further comprises: an inner framethat defines the cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frameincludes an upper flange; a plurality of cylindrical magnets that extendinto the upper flange of the inner frame; and a pair of spring-loadedconductive pins that extend into the upper flange of the inner frame,wherein the cartridge further comprises: a flange located between theproximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; and a pair of metalplates comprising a portion of a bottom surface of the flange, whereinwhen the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, themagnetic connection is created between the magnets of the inner frame ofthe control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and theelectrical connection is created between the conductive pins of theinner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control devicefurther comprises: an inner frame that defines the cartridge receivingchamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange; and a pair ofcylindrical magnets that extend into the upper flange of the innerframe, wherein the cartridge further comprises: a flange located betweenthe proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; and a pair ofmetal plates comprising a portion of a bottom surface of the flange,wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receivingchamber, both the magnetic connection and the electrical connection arecreated between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device andthe metal plates of the cartridge.
 10. The aerosol delivery device ofclaim 1, wherein the control device further comprises: an inner framethat defines the cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frameincludes an upper flange; a pair of cylindrical magnets that extendthrough the upper flange of the inner frame; and a pair of conductivecasings, each conductive casing substantially surrounding a side surfaceof a respective magnet and extending through the upper flange of theinner frame such that a top edge of the casings is substantially flushwith a top surface of the upper flange, wherein the cartridge furthercomprises: a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of themouthpiece portion; and a pair of metal plates comprising a portion of abottom surface of the flange, wherein when the cartridge is receivedinto the cartridge receiving chamber, the magnetic connection is createdbetween the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and themetal plates of the cartridge, and the electrical connection is createdbetween the conductive casings of the inner frame of the control deviceand the metal plates of the cartridge.
 11. The aerosol delivery deviceof claim 1, wherein the control device further comprises: an inner framethat defines the cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frameincludes an upper flange; a pair of cylindrical magnets that extend intothe upper flange of the inner frame; and a pair of conductive casings,each conductive casing substantially surrounding a top and side surfaceof a respective magnet and extending through the upper flange of theinner frame such that a top surface of the casings is substantiallyflush with a top surface of the upper flange, wherein the cartridgefurther comprises: a flange located between the proximal and distal endsof the mouthpiece portion; and a pair of metal plates comprising aportion of a bottom surface of the flange, wherein when the cartridge isreceived into the cartridge receiving chamber, the magnetic connectionis created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control deviceand the metal plates of the cartridge, and the electrical connection iscreated between the conductive casings of the inner frame of the controldevice and the metal plates of the cartridge.
 12. The aerosol deliverydevice of claim 1, wherein the control device further comprises: aninner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber, wherein theinner frame includes an upper flange; a plurality of magnets located inthe upper flange of the inner frame; and a pair of metal plates locatedin the upper flange of the inner frame, a top surface of the metalplates being substantially flush with a top surface of the upper flange,wherein the cartridge further comprises: a flange located between theproximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; and first and secondpairs of metal plates located below the flange, wherein when thecartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, the magneticconnection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of thecontrol device and the second pair of metal plates of the cartridge, andthe electrical connection is created between the pair of metal plates ofthe inner frame of the control device and the first pair of metal platesof the cartridge.
 13. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, whereinthe control device further comprises: an inner frame that defines thecartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upperflange; a plurality of magnets located in the upper flange of the innerframe; and a pair of metal plates located in the upper flange of theinner frame, a top surface of the metal plates being substantially flushwith a top surface of the upper flange, wherein the cartridge furthercomprises: a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of themouthpiece portion; and a pair of metal plates located below the flange,wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receivingchamber, the magnetic connection is created between the magnets of theinner frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates of thecartridge, and the electrical connection is created between the pair ofmetal plates of the inner frame of the control device and the pair ofmetal plates of the cartridge.
 14. The aerosol delivery device of claim1, wherein the control device further comprises: an inner frame thatdefines the cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frameincludes an upper flange; and a pair of magnets located in the upperflange of the inner frame and a pair of metal plates located in theupper flange of the inner frame, wherein the cartridge furthercomprises: a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of themouthpiece portion; and a pair of metal plates, the metal platescomprising a portion of the flange of the cartridge, wherein when thecartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, the magneticconnection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of thecontrol device and the pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and theelectrical connection is created between the pair of metal plates of theinner frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates of thecartridge.
 15. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein thecontrol device further comprises: an inner frame that defines thecartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upperflange; and a pair of magnets located in the upper flange of the innerframe and a pair of metal plates located in the upper flange of theinner frame, wherein the cartridge further comprises: a flange locatedbetween the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; a metalring that comprises a portion of the flange; and a pair of conductivespring contacts, wherein when the cartridge is received into thecartridge receiving chamber, the magnetic connection is created betweenthe magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal ringof the cartridge, and the electrical connection is created between thepair of metal plates of the inner frame of the control device and thepair of conductive spring contacts of the cartridge.
 16. The aerosoldelivery device of claim 1, wherein the control device furthercomprises: an inner frame that defines the cartridge receiving chamber,wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange; a plurality ofcylindrical magnets that extend into the upper flange of the innerframe; and a pair of conductive pins that extend into the upper flangeof the inner frame, wherein the cartridge further comprises: a flangelocated between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion;and a pair of metal plates comprising a portion of a bottom surface ofthe flange, each metal plate including an integrated spring contact,wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receivingchamber, the magnetic connection is created between the magnets of theinner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge,and the electrical connection is created between the conductive pins ofthe inner frame of the control device and the integrated spring contactsof the metal plates of the cartridge.
 17. The aerosol delivery device ofclaim 1, wherein the control device further comprises: an inner framethat defines the cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frameincludes an upper flange; a plurality of magnets spaced around the upperflange of the inner frame; and a pair of conductive spring contactslocated on the inner frame and below the upper flange thereof, whereinthe cartridge further comprises: a flange located between the proximaland distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; a metal plate located belowthe flange; and a pair of conductive plugs, wherein when the cartridgeis received into the cartridge receiving chamber, the magneticconnection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of thecontrol device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and the electricalconnection is created between the conductive spring contacts of theinner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of thecartridge.
 18. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein thecontrol device further comprises: an inner frame that defines thecartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upperportion; at least one attachment element located in the upper surface ofthe inner frame; and a pair of conductive spring contacts located on theinner frame, wherein the cartridge further comprises: a flange locatedbetween the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; at leastone attachment element located in the flange of the cartridge; and apair of conductive plugs, wherein when the cartridge is received intothe cartridge receiving chamber, the magnetic connection is createdbetween the at least one attachment element of the control device andthe at least one attachment element of the cartridge, and the electricalconnection is created between the conductive spring contacts of theinner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of thecartridge.
 19. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein thecontrol device further comprises: an inner frame that defines thecartridge receiving chamber; a plurality of magnet spheres located inthe inner frame; and a pair of conductive spring contacts located on theinner frame, wherein the cartridge further comprises: a pair of metalplates, each metal plate including receiving detents on opposite endsthereof, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridgereceiving chamber, the magnetic connection is created between the magnetspheres of the inner frame of the control device and the receivingdetents of the metal plates of the cartridge, and the electricalconnection is created between the conductive spring contacts of theinner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.20. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control devicefurther comprises: an inner frame that defines the cartridge receivingchamber; a pair of angled magnets located in the inner frame; and a pairof conductive spring contacts located in the inner frame and below thepair of angled magnets, wherein the cartridge further comprises: aflange located between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpieceportion; a pair of pointed sliding metal plates located in the flange;and a pair of conductive plugs, wherein when the cartridge is receivedinto the cartridge receiving chamber, the magnetic connection is createdbetween the angled magnets of the inner frame of the control device andthe pointed sliding metal plates of the cartridge, and the electricalconnection is created between the conductive spring contacts of theinner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of thecartridge.
 21. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein thecontrol device further comprises: an inner frame that defines thecartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upperflange; a plurality of cylindrical magnets that extend into the upperflange of the inner frame; and a pair of conductive spring contactslocated on the inner frame and below the upper flange thereof, whereinthe cartridge further comprises: a flange located between the proximaland distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; a metal plate located belowthe flange; and a pair of conductive plugs, wherein when the cartridgeis received into the cartridge receiving chamber, the magneticconnection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of thecontrol device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and the electricalconnection is created between the conductive spring contacts of theinner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of thecartridge.
 22. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein thecontrol device further comprises: an inner frame that defines thecartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upperflange; a plurality of cylindrical magnets that extend into the upperflange of the inner frame; and a pair of conductive spring contacts thatextend into the upper flange of the inner frame, wherein the cartridgefurther comprises: a flange located between the proximal and distal endsof the mouthpiece portion; and a pair of metal plates comprising aportion of a bottom surface of the flange, wherein when the cartridge isreceived into the cartridge receiving chamber, the magnetic connectionis created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control deviceand the metal plates of the cartridge, and the electrical connection iscreated between the conductive spring contacts of the inner frame of thecontrol device and the metal plates of the cartridge.